When Hajj becomes Fard & The different types of Hajj

HAJJ
Taken from fisabilillah.org

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. It means pilgrimage, effort, and to set out for a place. It is an act of worship during the Hajj season. It is an obligation to be performed once in one’s life; more than that will be Nafl (supererogatory).

WHEN DOES HAJJ BECOME FARD?

For Hajj to become Fard the following conditions have to be found in an individual:
1. To be a Muslim.
2.To be physically matured.
3.To be physically capable of travelling, and performing Hajj, or at least having the support to be able to do so.
4. To have sufficient expenses for travelling, food, medication, accommodation, and any other necessary requirements.
5. To have sufficient wealth for one's dependents (if they are left behind) while performing the Hajj.
6. A route available being secure, (i.e. not dangerous).
7. A woman must not be in `Iddah. (3 menstrual periods after a divorce or 4 months and 10 days after the death of her spouse).
8. A woman must be accompanied by her husband or a mahram (an adult male whom she is not permitted to marry due to being closely related).

Once all the conditions are met the Hajj should be performed at the earliest possible opportunity. Failure to do so will mean that one is accountable to Allah for neglecting His Command.

If someone else alleviates an obstacle (e.g. provides the money), then too the Fard becomes established.

click picture to enlarge


THE THREE TYPES OF HAJJ
In regards to one’s own Hajj, there are three types that one can perform.

1. Qiran:
This is when a pilgrim enters Ihram with the intention of performing both `Umrah and Hajj together with one Ihram. The pilgrim, on arriving in Makkah, will first perform `Umrah followed by Hajj in the same Ihram; thus one remains in the same state of Ihram till the end of Hajj.

2. Tamattu`: The pilgrim dons the Ihram with the intention of both `Umrah and Hajj but with two separate states of Ihram. After `Umrah is completed the state of Ihram is lifted and one will have to re-enter Ihram before Hajj starts.

3. Ifrad:
The pilgrim, intends Hajj only. He enters the state of Ihram from the Miqat for Hajj, and stays in that state until Hajj.

Note: Whenever `Umrah, Ihram, Tawaf or Sa`y are referred to it is assumed that one has already read about them in the `Umrah section of this book, therefore their details will be omitted unless there are specific rules that apply for Hajj.

Note: Essentially the different types of Hajj are very similar. Besides the intention of the Ihram and the maintaining or shedding of it, there are very few differences. These will be pointed out in the following pages.

Note: If one enters the Miqat with the intention of either Ifrad or Qiran then one cannot change the intention to another type without giving Dam (Sacrifice). In the case of Tamattu` one can either give dam (sacrifice) or leave the Miqat and re-enter with another intention and Ihram.

(Recommended Reading):
1. Fisabilillah Publications Website: Your complete guide to Hajj & Umrah (easy to read and understand)

2. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Da‘wah and Guidance: Guide to Hajj

3. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Da‘wah and Guidance: Hajj Illustrated - step by step (this is a bit complex to operate but very interactive)