How to Perform Hajj

When choosing a Hajj Group and which package to go on, you may notice that different packages have different Hajj methods, depending on the group and one's preference of performance. This article will explain the three ways one can perform Hajj so that people are more acquainted with the methods before choosing a package. More detail will be given by each Hajj group before the journey.

Three Different Methods

1. Tamattu` - means performing Umrah during the Hajj season before the hajj starts. Therefore, it is necessary to get into the state of Ihram twice; once for Umrah on their entrance to Makkah, and the other on the 8th day of Dhul-Hijjah known as the day of Tarwiyah. The pilgrim who performs Hajj Tamattu' should make intention for `Umrah when approaching the Miqat. The pilgrim should say,
   
   "Labbayk-Allahumma labbayka bi'Umrah!" or "Labbayka 'Umratan!" "O Allah! I answer Your call to perform `Umrah." 
   
   The pilgrim can add some other dua such as: " O Allah! I intend to perform `Umrah, so make it easy for me, and accept it from me." It is also allowed for the pilgrim, though intending initially to complete Hajj or 'Umrah, to put a condition whereby if for some unexpected sickness or circumstances the journey could not be completed, he, or she, can end the state of Ihraam without having to sacrifice an animal or fast. Therefore, the pilgrim can address Allah saying,
   
   "Inna mahilli minal-Ardi haythu habastani" "I will end up my state of Ihraam wherever I cannot proceed."
   
   After this, the pilgrim proceeds with Talbiyah as shown in the previous section. Once the pilgrim reaches Makkah, he heads for al-Masjid al-Haraam and starts his Tawwaf. After Tawwaf, the pilgrim prays two Rak'aas at Maqaamu Ibraahim - without disturbing those who circumambulate- drinks Zamzam water then proceeds with the Say'ee. With this the state of Ihraam and 'Umrah are ended. On the day of Tarwiyah, the pilgrim enters another time in the state of Ihraam saying,
   
   " Labbayk-Allahumma labbayka bi-Hajj!" or "Labbayka Hajjan" "O Allah! I answer Your call to perform Hajj." 
   The pilgrim can add, "O Allah! I intend to perform Hajj, so make it easy for me, and accept it from me. I intend to perform Hajj and I am entering in the state of Ihram only for Your sake, O Allah!" Then the Talbiyah is repeated throughout the rituals of Hajj in Mina, Arafah, and Muzdalifah. On the 10th of dhul-Hijjah, a sacrifice should be offered to Allah as mentioned in Qur'an after stoning at al-Jamaraat. After the sacrifice is done, the pilgrim can shave or cut the hair. The pilgrim then proceeds back to Mekkah and performs the Tawwaf of Ifaadah. Once the Tawaaf of Ifaadah is completed, the pilgrim should perform Say'ee for Hajj. However, if a person starts with the Tawaaf of Ifaadah, then Say'ee, then shaves, and then stones at al-Jamaraat, it is also accepted. Hajj Tamattu' is the most recommended for people and it was more encouraged by the Prophet (S). Therefore, it is known as the best way to perform Hajj and is indeed the most common amongst the Hajj groups.
2. Qiran - means to combine Hajj and Umrah. This means that the pilgrim should declare the intention to perform both Hajj and `Umrah together, and say:
   
   "Labbayk-Allahumma labbayka bi-Hajjin wa-'Umrah!" or "Labbayka Hajjan wa 'Umratan!" "O Allah! I answer Your call to perform Hajj and 'Umrah!" 
   In this kind of Hajj, it is not allowed for the pilgrim to end the state of Ihraam after Say'ee. The pilgrim will not have to perform the Tawwaf of Ifaadah and Say'ee on the 10th of dhul Hijjah because it is already performed for both Hajj and `Umrah. The pilgrim is supposed to bring his sacrificial animal with him as the Prophet (S) did. This must be done because the rituals of Hajj and `Umrah were joined together. Some groups will have Hajj Qiran as an option for the pilgrims to perform.
3. Ifraad - means that the pilgrim declares his intention for Hajj only, and says:
   
   " Labbayk-Allahumma labbayka bi-Hajj!" or " Labbayka Hajjan" "O Allah! I answer Your call to perform hajj." The pilgrim maintains his Ihraam up to the Day of Sacrifice. No animal sacrifice offering is required from him. Many Hajj groups have Hajj Ifraad available as the express package since it is the quickest of the three.