Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is a sacred journey that every Muslim must perform at least once in their lifetime if they have the means. There are three types of Hajj: Hajj Tamattu, Hajj Qiran, and Hajj Ifrad. Among them, Hajj Tamattu is the most common type performed by pilgrims, especially those traveling from outside Saudi Arabia. This article will guide you through the steps of performing Hajj Tamattu properly.
What is Hajj Tamattu?
Hajj Tamattu means performing Umrah first during the months of Hajj (Shawwal, Dhu al-Qi'dah, and the first days of Dhu al-Hijjah) and then performing Hajj afterward in the same trip. Pilgrims remove their Ihram after Umrah and enter Ihram again for Hajj on the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Hajj Tamattu
1. Entering Ihram for Umrah
Before crossing the Miqat (the designated boundary for Ihram), pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram.
Perform Ghusl (ritual purification), wear Ihram clothes (two unstitched white cloths for men, and modest clothing for women).
Pray two Rak'ahs of Sunnah prayer.
Make the intention (Niyyah) for Umrah, saying:
"Labbaik Allahumma Umrah" (O Allah, I am here to perform Umrah).
Recite Talbiyah:
"Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, innal-hamda, wan-ni’mata, laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak."
(“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. There is no partner with You. Here I am. Verily, all praise, favor, and sovereignty belong to You. There is no partner with You.”)
2. Performing Umrah
Upon arriving in Makkah, pilgrims perform the following Umrah rituals:
Tawaf: Perform seven rounds around the Kaaba, starting from the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).
Sa’i: Walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
Shaving or Trimming Hair: Men should shave or trim their hair, while women trim a small portion.
Exiting Ihram: After Umrah is completed, pilgrims can exit Ihram and resume normal activities until the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
3. Entering Ihram for Hajj (8th Dhu al-Hijjah - Day of Tarwiyah)
On the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrims enter Ihram again for Hajj, saying:
"Labbaik Allahumma Hajjan" (O Allah, I am here to perform Hajj).
Travel to Mina, pray Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr there.
4. Arafah (9th Dhu al-Hijjah - Day of Arafah)
On the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrims proceed to Arafah after Fajr prayer.
Perform Wuquf (standing in Arafah), making supplications and seeking forgiveness.
Listen to the Khutbah of Arafah and perform Dhuhr and Asr combined.
Before sunset, leave Arafah for Muzdalifah.
5. Muzdalifah (Night of 9th Dhu al-Hijjah)
Collect pebbles (49 or 70) for the next day's stoning ritual.
Pray Maghrib and Isha combined.
Rest overnight in Muzdalifah under the open sky.
6. Stoning at Jamarat & Sacrificing an Animal (10th Dhu al-Hijjah - Eid al-Adha)
Travel to Mina and stone Jamarat al-Aqaba (the largest pillar) with seven pebbles.
Offer Qurbani (sacrifice an animal) as part of Hajj Tamattu.
Shave or trim the hair (shaving is preferred for men).
After this, partial release from Ihram is allowed (Ihram restrictions are lifted except for marital relations).
7. Tawaf al-Ifadah & Sa’i (10th-12th Dhu al-Hijjah)
Pilgrims go to Makkah to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’i.
This marks complete exit from Ihram.
8. Stoning at Mina (11th-12th Dhu al-Hijjah)
On the 11th and 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah, return to Mina and stone three Jamarat (small, medium, and large) with seven pebbles each.
9. Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada)
Before leaving Makkah, pilgrims perform Tawaf al-Wada as a farewell to the sacred city.
This completes Hajj Tamattu.
Conclusion
Hajj Tamattu is the easiest and most common form of Hajj for international pilgrims. By following these steps, pilgrims can ensure that their Hajj is performed correctly and sincerely. May Allah accept the efforts of all pilgrims and grant them a blessed Hajj. Ameen.
