SAEDNEWS: Learn about the key differences between these two types of pilgrimage, including their requirements and the dates for this year’s obligatory Hajj.
According to Saednews, Umrah al-Mufradah and Hajj al-Tamattuʿ each have their own specific rules and requirements. Hajj al-Tamattuʿ is performed during the months of Shawwal, Dhu al-Qi'dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah, whereas Umrah al-Mufradah is not restricted to a particular period of the year.
For Hajj al-Tamattuʿ, pilgrims enter the state of ihram at one of the designated miqats, including Masjid al-Shajarah, al-Juhfah, Wadi al-'Aqiq, Qarn al-Manazil, and Yalamlam. For Umrah al-Mufradah, the miqat is generally the nearest point outside the Sacred Precinct (Haram), although pilgrims may also enter ihram from one of the five established miqats.
The rituals and procedures of Umrah al-Mufradah also differ from those of Hajj al-Tamattuʿ.
Hajj al-Tamattuʿ is one of the three types of Hajj. It combines Umrah and Hajj during the same pilgrimage journey and is generally obligatory for Muslims who live far enough from Mecca to fall under the relevant legal requirements.
It is called Tamattuʿ because, after completing Umrah and before beginning the Hajj rituals, the pilgrim exits ihram. During this period, the restrictions that apply while in ihram are lifted, allowing the pilgrim to enjoy the ordinary activities that were previously prohibited.
The rituals of Umrah al-Tamattuʿ, Hajj al-Tamattuʿ, Hajj al-Qiran, and Hajj al-Ifrad are performed during the Islamic months of Shawwal, Dhu al-Qi'dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah.
In previous years, the average duration of pilgrimage trips for Iranian pilgrims performing Hajj al-Tamattuʿ was approximately 40 days. For the 1404 AH pilgrimage season, officials of Iran's Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization were working to reduce the average trip length to around 33 days.
