# Hajj: Types, Etiquette Before, During, and After the Spiritual Journey  


## Introduction  

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and a sacred duty for financially and physically capable Muslims. This spiritual journey is an opportunity for repentance, drawing closer to Allah, and renewing faith. Hajj has different types and specific etiquettes before the trip, during the rituals, and after returning. This article explores the types of Hajj, preparations before the journey, rituals during Hajj, and recommendations after returning.  


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## Types of Hajj  

In Islam, Hajj is performed in three main ways:  


### 1. Hajj al-Tamattu'  

For those traveling from afar (more than 88 km from Makkah). The pilgrim first performs Umrah (Tawaf and Sa'i), exits Ihram, then enters Ihram again on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Tarwiyah) to perform Hajj.  


### 2. Hajj al-Qiran  

The pilgrim combines Umrah and Hajj under a single Ihram. This is mainly for those living in or near Makkah.  


### 3. Hajj al-Ifrad  

Only for Hajj (without Umrah). Like Hajj al-Qiran, it is mostly for residents of Makkah.  


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## Etiquette Before Hajj  

### 1. Repentance and Spiritual Preparation  

- Seek forgiveness for sins and from those you’ve wronged.  

- Fulfill missed prayers and fasts.  

- Increase worship and Quran recitation.  


### 2. Financial Preparation  

- Use halal earnings for Hajj expenses.  

- Pay debts and make a will if necessary.  


### 3. Learning Hajj Rituals  

- Study Hajj rules from reliable sources.  

- Attend pre-Hajj educational sessions.  


### 4. Choosing Good Companions  

- Travel with pious and well-mannered people.  


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## Etiquette During Hajj  

### 1. Entering Ihram  

- Perform Ghusl (ritual bath) and wear Ihram garments.  

- Make intention and recite the Talbiyah (*Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik…*).  

- Avoid Ihram prohibitions (e.g., cutting hair, wearing stitched clothes, using perfume).  


### 2. Umrah al-Tamattu’ (for Hajj al-Tamattu’)  

- Tawaf around the Kaaba (7 rounds).  

- Pray 2 Rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim.  

- Sa’i between Safa and Marwah.  

- Taqsir (shortening hair/nails to exit Ihram).  


### 3. Hajj Rituals by Day  

- 8th Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Tarwiyah): Enter Ihram and go to Mina.  

- 9th Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Arafah): Stand in Arafat, pray, and seek forgiveness until sunset.  

- 10th Dhul-Hijjah (Eid al-Adha): Stone Jamrat al-Aqaba, sacrifice an animal, shave/trim hair, perform Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’i.  

- 11th & 12th Dhul-Hijjah (Days of Tashreeq): Stone the Jamarat and stay in Mina.  


### 4. Moral Conduct During Hajj  

- Be patient with hardships.  

- Help others, especially the elderly.  

- Avoid arguments and sins.  


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## Etiquette After Hajj  

### 1. Gratitude  

- Pray 2 Rak’ahs to thank Allah.  

- Acknowledge Allah’s blessing for completing Hajj.  


### 2. Maintaining Spirituality  

- Continue good deeds and avoid sins.  

- Strive to preserve the purity gained from Hajj.  


### 3. Encouraging Others  

- Share positive experiences to inspire others.  

- Guide those planning to perform Hajj.  


### 4. Bringing Gifts from the Holy Land  

- Dates, Zamzam water, or spiritual souvenirs for loved ones.  


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## Conclusion  

Hajj is a spiritual journey and a test of faith. By observing the etiquettes before, during, and after Hajj, Muslims can fulfill this duty perfectly and benefit from its blessings. May all Muslims have the opportunity to experience this sacred pilgrimage.  


"And proclaim to the people the Hajj; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass." (Quran 22:27)