Types of Hajj

There are three forms of Hajj:

• Hajj At-Tamattu': This is where a pilgrim assumes Ihraam for ‘Umrah only, during the months of Hajj, which means that when he reaches Makkah, he makes Tawaaf and Sa'i for ‘Umrah. Then he shaves or clips his hair and exits the state if Ihraam. On the eighth day of Thul-Hijjah, the pilgrim assumes Ihraam again for Hajj only and carries out all of its requirements. So Tamattu’ involves a complete ‘Umrah and a complete Hajj.
• Hajj Al-Ifraad: This is where a pilgrim assumes Ihraam for Hajj only. When the pilgrim reaches Makkah he performs tawaaf al-qudoom (tawaaf of arrival) and saa’i for Hajj, but he does not shave or cut his hair and does not exit ihraam, rather he remains in ihraam until he exits ihraam after stoning Jamarat al-‘Aqabah on the day of Eid.  It is permissible for him to postpone his Sa'i for Hajj until after his Tawaaf for Hajj (i.e. Tawaaf Al-Ifaadhah).
• Hajj Al-Qiraan: This is where a pilgrim assumes Ihraam for both ‘Umrah and Hajj, or he assumes Ihraam first for ‘Umrah, then makes his intention for Hajj before his Tawaaf for Hajj. The obligations on one performing Ifraad are the same as those on one performing Qiraan, except that the latter must slaughter whereas the former is not obligated to do so.

The best of the three forms is Tamattu'. It is the form that the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) encouraged his followers to perform.