Types of Hajj: A Complete UK Guide for Pilgrims Planning Their Sacred Journey

Last Updated: November 13, 2025By Makkah Tour

Hajj is one of the most profound spiritual journeys in Islam, and every year, thousands of Muslims from the UK travel to Makkah to fulfil this sacred obligation. Understanding the Types of Hajj is essential before choosing the right Hajj Package or planning your pilgrimage. Whether you’re travelling from London, Birmingham, Manchester, or anywhere in the UK, knowing the differences between Hajj Ifrad, Hajj Qiran, and Hajj Tamattu helps you prepare with clarity, confidence, and devotion.

At Makkah Tour, we assist UK pilgrims by providing reliable information, transparent guidance, and spiritually fulfilling Hajj and Umrah Packages. Below is a detailed and semantically optimised guide to help you understand each type of Hajj in depth.

What Are the Three Types of Hajj?

Islam teaches that there are three types of Hajj:

Hajj Ifrad
Hajj Qiran
Hajj Tamattu

Each type has its own rituals, sequence, and recommended practices. UK travellers often choose based on convenience, cost, spiritual intent, and the type of package they book for the pilgrimage season.

Before exploring each one, let’s briefly understand why the types differ. The main difference comes from whether the pilgrim performs Umrah and Hajj together or only Hajj, and whether they exit Ihram between the two rituals.

1. Hajj Ifrad (حج الإفراد)

Hajj Ifrad is the simplest form of Hajj. It involves performing only Hajj without Umrah in the same journey. Pilgrims enter Ihram with the intention of Hajj alone and remain in this state until all rituals finish.

Who Chooses Hajj Ifrad?

UK Muslims who:

Travel only for Hajj
Prefer fewer rituals
Want a more focused pilgrimage
Are you arriving early for Hajj without the intent to perform Umrah

Government-based Hajj programs in the past often favoured Ifrad due to simplicity and timeline alignment, though private UK packages may offer more flexibility.

Main Rituals of Hajj Ifrad

Enter Ihram solely for Hajj
Spend time in Makkah with Ihram restrictions
Perform Wuquf (standing at Arafat)
Stay at Muzdalifah
Complete Rami, Qurbani is not mandatory, Tawaf al-Ifadah, and Sa’i
Shave or trim hair
Perform Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf)

Because Umrah is not included, no additional Tawaf or Sa’i is required before Hajj.

Advantages of Hajj Ifrad for UK Pilgrims

Fewer steps compared to Tamattu and Qiran
Comfortable for elderly travellers
Ideal for those who have already performed Umrah earlier in the year

2. Hajj Qiran (حج القران)

Hajj Qiran involves performing Hajj and Umrah together, with a single Ihram for both. Pilgrims do not exit Ihram after Umrah, which makes this type more demanding.

Who Chooses Hajj Qiran?

UK Muslims who:

Want to combine Hajj and Umrah in the same trip
Prefer a more spiritually intensive pilgrimage
Don’t mind staying in Ihram for a longer duration

It resembles the method performed by many early Muslims who travelled from far distances, making it a meaningful choice for some UK travellers.

Main Rituals of Hajj Qiran

Enter Ihram with intention for both Hajj and Umrah
Perform Tawaf and Sa’i for Umrah upon arrival
Remain in Ihram until Hajj
Perform all Hajj rituals, including Arafat, Muzdalifah, Rami, Qurbani, and Tawaf al-Ifadah

Because Umrah is included, a sacrifice (Qurbani) becomes mandatory.

Advantages of Hajj Qiran for UK Pilgrims

You earn the reward of completing both Hajj and Umrah in a single Ihram
Recommended for those who want a more immersive spiritual experience
Excellent option for travellers arriving early

3. Hajj Tamattu (حج التمتع)

Hajj Tamattu is the most popular type among UK pilgrims today. It involves performing Umrah first, exiting Ihram, and then entering Ihram again during Hajj.

Many UK Hajj Packages are designed specifically around Tamattu due to its convenience and spiritual balance.

Who Chooses Hajj Tamattu?

UK Muslims who:

Want to perform Umrah comfortably before Hajj
Prefer a break from Ihram between rituals
Want an experience with more flexibility and ease

Main Rituals of Hajj Tamattu

Enter Ihram for Umrah
Perform Tawaf and Sa’i for Umrah
Exit Ihram and resume normal activities
Re-enter Ihram during the days of Hajj
Complete Wuquf, Muzdalifah, Rami, Qurbani (mandatory), Tawaf al-Ifadah, and Sa’i

Why Tamattu Is UK Pilgrims’ Favourite

Allows rest between Umrah and Hajj
Provides a relaxed start to the journey
Recommended for first-time pilgrims
Perfect for families and elderly travellers

Most UK-based Hajj Package options, especially those under Makkah Tour, recommend or default to Hajj Tamattu for its ease and practicality.

Which Type of Hajj Is Best for You?

While all three types are valid and blessed, the best choice depends on your schedule, health, budget, and comfort level.

For UK Pilgrims:

Tamattu is ideal for first-timers and families
Qiran suits those seeking deeper spirituality
Ifrad works best for simple, direct Hajj journeys

Makkah Tour provides complete guidance for each type and ensures your allocated Hajj Package matches your chosen form of Hajj.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Type of Hajj with Makkah Tour

Understanding the Types of Hajj helps you prepare your heart, mind, and travel plans with confidence. Whether you choose Hajj Ifrad, Qiran, or Tamattu, your intention and sincerity remain at the core of this spiritual journey. As someone who has worked closely with UK pilgrims for many years, I understand the importance of feeling supported throughout the process.

At Makkah Tour, we aim to guide you with clarity, compassion, and expertise—making your sacred journey as smooth and meaningful as possible. If you’re planning your pilgrimage soon, explore our trusted Hajj Package options and Umrah Packages, designed especially for UK travellers who value comfort, guidance, and authentic spiritual fulfilment.

May Allah accept your efforts and open the doors of Makkah for you soon. If you need personalised help choosing the right package or type of Hajj, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.