Hajj al Tamattu Explained | Detailed Journey of Tamattu Pilgrims
In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
Hajj al-Tamattu is an Islamic pilgrimage that combines Umrah and Hajj in one journey.
Pilgrims perform Umrah first, exit the state of Ihram, and then re-enter it for Hajj during the days of Dhul-Hijjah.
International pilgrims widely practice this form because it offers a break between the two major worship segments, making the process more manageable.
Understanding the Structure of Hajj al-Tamattu
Hajj al-Tamattu is one of the three recognised types of Hajj in Islam. It is ideal for those travelling from outside Saudi Arabia who arrive before the month of Dhul-Hijjah.
The pilgrim performs Umrah upon arrival in Makkah, then exits Ihram and remains normal until the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah. On that day, they re-enter the Ihram and begin the rituals of Hajj.
This form is considered convenient and is widely recommended in many Hajj guides.
What Does “Tamattu” Mean in the Context of Hajj?
“Tamattu” is derived from the Arabic word meaning enjoyment or benefit. In the context of Hajj, it refers to the relief or ease that pilgrims experience by having a break between Umrah and Hajj.
This gap allows for rest and spiritual preparation.
For many, especially those unaccustomed to the climate and rituals, this benefit makes the journey less physically demanding and more spiritually enriching.
Detailed Steps to Complete Hajj al-Tamattu
To understand how to perform Hajj, especially Hajj al-Tamattu, following a sequence that blends spiritual discipline with physical action is essential.
This method is one of the most preferred types of Hajj, especially among pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia, due to its structure and the break it allows between Umrah and Hajj.
Here are the complete steps involved in the Hajj pilgrimage using the Tamattu format:
- To arrive, familiarise yourself before Arrival: prepare spiritually and physically. Read a trusted Hajj guide to familiarise yourself with the required Hajj rituals. Finalise your travel to Makkah or Madinah.
- Entering Ihram: At the Miqat, declare your intention for Hajj through Tamattu. Enter the state of Ihram and verbally announce your niyyah (intention) to perform Umrah. This marks the beginning of your spiritual journey.
- Arrival in Makkah and Umrah: Upon arrival, go directly to Masjid al-Haram and begin Tawaf by circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. This act symbolises unity and submission to Allah.
- Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah: After completing Tawaf, perform Sa’i by walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating the journey of Hajar (peace be upon her).
- Shaving or Trimming the Hair: Conclude Umrah by shaving the head (for men) or trimming a small portion (for women). This signifies humility and renewal. After this step, exit the state of Ihram.
- Rest Days Before Hajj: Stay in Makkah until the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah. Use this time for rest, worship, and preparation. This pause is what makes Tamattu unique among the types of Hajj.
- Re-entering Ihram for Hajj: On the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, re-enter Ihram with the intention of performing Hajj. This marks the official beginning of the Hajj phase of Hajj al-Tamattu.
- Travel to Mina: Proceed to Mina, where you’ll spend the day and night praying and reflecting. This day helps condition the pilgrim for the more intense rituals to come.
- Standing at Arafat (Wuquf): On the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, travel to Arafat and participate in the Hajj rituals of standing (wuquf), supplicating, and seeking forgiveness. This is considered the most significant day of the Hajj pilgrimage.
- Overnight in Muzdalifah: After sunset, move to Muzdalifah. Collect pebbles here for the symbolic stoning and spend the night under the open sky in devotion.
- Rami and Sacrifice: On the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, proceed to the Jamarat and perform Rami by throwing seven pebbles at the most significant pillar. Offer a sacrifice afterwards and then shave or trim the hair again.
- Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’i: Return to Makkah and perform Tawaf al-Ifadah, a mandatory Hajj act. Another Sa’i between Safa and Marwah follows this. Both acts are pillars of Hajj al-Tamattu.
- Stoning in Mina: Return to Mina for two or three days and continue the ritual stoning at all three Jamarat. Each day, throw seven pebbles at each pillar.
- Tawaf al-Wada: Before leaving Makkah, perform the farewell Tawaf known as Tawaf al-Wada. This final act completes your Hajj.
Following this structure ensures your Hajj al-Tamattu is valid and spiritually fulfilling. Every action during this journey reinforces the principles of obedience, patience, and remembrance of Allah, forming the heart of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Comparing Hajj Qiran with the Tamattu Method
Hajj Qiran requires a pilgrim to perform both Umrah and Hajj without exiting Ihram in between. This form is more demanding since the pilgrim remains in a state of consecration for an extended period.
Hajj al-Tamattu, on the other hand, allows the pilgrim to exit Ihram after completing Umrah and re-enter it before Hajj. Both types require an animal sacrifice, but the main difference lies in Tamattu’s break.
What is the Title for a Muslim Who Performs Hajj al-Tamattu?
A Muslim who completes Hajj, including Hajj al-Tamattu, is called a Hajji. This title marks spiritual achievement and is used respectfully in many Muslim communities.
Completing Hajj fulfils one of the five pillars of Islam and is a deeply transformative experience. Hajj al-Tamattu is a valid and honourable day to complete this obligation.
FAQ on Hajj al-Tamattu and General Hajj Questions
Final Thoughts on Hajj al-Tamattu
Hajj al-Tamattu is recommended for those travelling from outside Saudi Arabia. It combines the journey of Umrah and Hajj in a flexible format.
Well-structured steps cover the whole process from Madinah to Makkah, including Tawaf, Mina, and Muzdalifah.
Learning the steps of Hajj al Tamattu using checklists or visual guides prepares you to complete the pilgrimage with devotion and clarity.
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