Different types of Haj

There are 3 kinds of Hajj:

 

1. Hajj Qiran.

 

2. Hajj Tamattu’

 

3. Hajj Ifrad

 

Hajj Qiran is the Hajj in which Hajj and ‘Umrah are performed in 1 Ihram i.e. you cross the Meeqat in Ihram with the intention of performing both Hajj and Ihram in the same Ihram.

 

In this Hajj, Halaq (Shaving of the head) is not performed after performing the Umrah, but instead the Hajji remains in Ihram and Hajj is performed in the same Ihram.

 

Hajj Tamattu’ is the Hajj in which Hajj and Umrah are performed in separate Ihram i.e. you cross Meeqat in Ihram with the intention of performing Umrah and after performing Umrah, the Ihram in unbound and when the days of Hajj begin, then again the Ihram is bound with the intention of Hajj.

 

Most people perform Hajj Tamattu’ only.

 

Hajj Ifrad is that Hajj in which Ihram is bound only with the intention of performing Hajj and after performing the Hajj, the Ihram is unbound.

 

From a spiritual and mystical perspective as well, there are different types of Hajj, as detailed by Hadhrat Muhaddith-e-Deccan (May Allah shower His mercy on him):

 

The Hajj of the laypeople

 

Translation of couplets:

 

O villager, I fear you will not reach the Ka'aba,

as the path on which you are traveling leads to Turkestan

 

When I went to the Ka’aba for Tawaf, I was not allowed to enter the Haram,

 

It was said: What did you do outside the House that you are coming inside it?

 

Like this Hajji.  A certain Hajji was going somewhere after returning from Hajj.  Along with him, there was a slave who was also a Hajji.  At night, they put up in an inn.  There was a need for salt.  The Hajji told the servant: Go and tell some shopkeeper that my master is a Hajji and he needs some salt.  The servant did this.  At the next stop, some other thing was needed.  The Hajji told his servant: Go and tell the shopkeeper, my master is a Hajji and needs so and so.  They got this as well.  At the third stage also, they needed something.  The Hajji told the slave to bring it from somewhere.  The slave answered:  At the first stage I sold your Hajj and brought salt, at the second stage, I sold my Hajj and brought that.  Now nothing is left to sell.

 

Hajj of the worshippers

 

The Hajj of the worshippers (A’abideen) is to perform Hajj and its articles as per the commandments of Allah Most High.

 

Hajj of the Salikeen

 

Hajj of the Salikeen (those who strive for the closeness of Allah Most High) is visiting the heart.  It means that realization of your own home.

 

Hajj of the Kamileen

 

The Hajj of the Kamileen (those who are perfect) is to realize one’s own self, as mentioned in the Hadith.

 

The journey of Hajj is like the journey of hereafter.  Outwardly, the purpose is to visit the house of Allah Most High and in the inward aspect (Batin), the desire is the vision of Allah Most High, because the honor of the slave is in one’s annihilation, so that apart from the vision of Allah Most High, annihilating oneself in His will and following His commands, no other wish remains.

 

When Hadhrat Masruq (May Allah shower His mercy on him) performed Hajj, then from the time he made the resolve of Hajj and started from his house, during the entire journey up to the time of returning, he did not lie down at all.  Once in a while, he would doze off while sitting and that was all.  Wakefulness is there in restless and also in yearning (Shauq). Because of this, sleep is not even allowed to approach the one who desires the Lord, stays awake whole days and nights in the thoughts of the Ultimate Beloved (Allah Most High).

 

The A’arif (great saint) should remember the journey of hereafter in this journey and busy oneself in the preparation of that journey.