training-and-education

There are three forms of Hajj: Hajj Ifraad, Hajj Qiran and Hajj Tamattu. Here is a brief description of each.

Hajj Ifraad

The pilgrim enters the state of ihram and makes an intention of Hajj by saying “Laabayka bihajj”. He then proceeds and performs Hajj with no Umrah before. It is also not obligatory to sacrifice an animal. The pilgrim can perform Umrah after the Hajj, if he so wishes. He takes off Ihram only when the Hajj is complete.

Hajj Qiran
In this kind of Hajj the pilgrim enters Ihram with the intention of doing Hajj and Umrah together. The piligrim says “Labbayka bi hajjin wa umrah” He performs umrah and remains in the state of Ihram till the day of sacrifice.

Hajj Tamattu
The pilgrim enters the state of ihram at meeqat with the intention of Umrah only by saying “Laabyaka bi umrah”. Once the he performs Umrah, he removes Ihram. On the 8th of Dhulhijaa he again enters the state of ihram with the intention of doing Hajj by saying Laabayka bi hajj. He remains in the state of Ihram untill the day of sacrifice.

What is Meeqat?
Meeqat is a place where the pilgrim enters into the state of ihram and makes the intention of Hajj or Umrah or both depending upon his case. People coming from different countries have different Meeqat and one must make sure to know where one’s meeqat starts. Normally, the travel agents of the pilgrim should be able to specify the Meeqat. One must not pass the meeqat without entering into the state of ihram, otherwise one has either to go back to the specified station or if going is not possible then a ransom is due in the form of a sheep to sacrifice.

What happens if one passes meeqat without Ihraam?
If anyone passes meeqat without Ihram, one has to go back to the meeqat he passed through and enter into the state of Ihraam from there. However, if it is not possible to go back to one place of meeqat, then one has to sacrifice a sheep and then enter the state of ihram from that point.

What is Ihram?
Ihram is a sacred state in which a pilgrim (male or female) enters to perform Hajj or Umrah or both. Ihram refers to both the dress code and the restrictions applied when in such a state. One must enter Ihram at meeqat or before meeqat.

What is the Dress Code of Ihram for men?
For men Ihram is two pieces of unstitched plain white cloth. One piece is used to cover the upper part and the other is used to cover the lower part of the body. The upper part is above the navel up to the shoulders. The lower part is down to above the ankles.

No underwear, shirts, turbans, hat, cap, trousers etc are allowed. Belts can be used for the purpose of keeping money and necessary documents.

What are the Sunnah acts for Ihram?
It is sunnah to take bath before ihram. (Thirmid)
It is sunnah to apply perfume to one’s body before the Ihram on. (Please note it is applied to the body and only before the ihram is worn) (Muslim)
It is better to enter into Ihraam after obligatory prayer. (Muslim)
It is ok to wear ihram before Meeqat, but it is better to do so at meeqat.