Kinds of Hajj
Kinds of Hajj:
A pilgrim is free to choose either the three kinds of Ihraam, namely Tamattu‘, Ifraad, and Qiraan:
Tamattu‘:It mean that a pilgrim assumes Ihraam for performing ‘Umrah during the months of Hajj, and then, after performing ‘Umrah, a pilgrim assumes Ihraam for performing Hajj in the same season.
Ifraad: It means that a pilgrim assumes Ihraam for performing Hajj only, keeping in the state of Ihraam until he finishes performing the rites of Hajj.
Qiraan: It means that a pilgrim assumes Ihraam for performing both ‘Umrah and Hajj together, or to assume Ihraam for ‘Umrah then, before starting the Tawaaf (circumambulating the Ka‘bah) for ‘Umrah, a pilgrim intends performing both ‘Umrah and Hajj.
It is important to point out that a pilgrim who intends Tamattu‘ or Qiraan is obliged to slaughter a sacrificial animal (i.e. a camel, cow or sheep) if he is not a resident of Makkah. If one cannot find or afford such an animal - then he has to fast ten days; three days during Hajj and of seven when he returns home.
The best of the aforesaid three ways of Ihraam is Tamattu‘ if one did bring Hady. However, if one brought Hady (animal to be sacrificed at the end of Hajj) with him, Qiraan will be better for him. If one performed ‘Umrah before the month of Hajj and stayed at Makkah until he performed Hajj, then Ifraad will be better for him.
Once a pilgrim assumes Ihraam in any of the aforesaid three ways, he is to chant Talbiyah of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: Labbayka Allaahumma labbayk, Labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk, Innal hamda wan-ni'amata laka wal mulk, laa shareeka laka (I am here at Your service, O Allaah, I am here at Your service. I am here at Your service, You have no partner, I am here at Your service. Surely the praise and blessings are Yours, and the dominion. You have no partner.)
A pilgrim should raise his voice with Talbiyah, saying it repeatedly. If one adds something to what has been reported from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and the companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, then there is no harm in this.
