The three forms of Hajj
Tamattu. Umrah first, exit ihram, re-enter for Hajj. Requires a sacrifice. The most common form from India.
Qiran, both performed in a single unbroken state of ihram. Also requires a sacrifice.
Ifrad. Hajj alone, without Umrah. No sacrifice required.
| Hajj | Umrah | |
|---|---|---|
| Obligation | Fard once in a lifetime if able | Sunnah or wajib by school |
| Timing | 8-13 Dhul Hijjah only | Any day of the year |
| Trip length from India | 25-40 days | 7-15 nights |
| Cost from India | ₹3,50,000-₹7,00,000 | ₹78,000-₹3,10,000 |
| Access | Quota, by ballot via Hajj Committee | Visa in 24-72 hours |
| Waiting time | Often several years | None |
Applying for Hajj from India
Hajj from India is administered by the Hajj Committee of India, which receives the annual quota and allocates places by ballot. Applications open roughly a year ahead.
Umrah requires none of this. There is no quota, no ballot and no waiting list, the visa is issued in 24-72 hours on Nusuk.
Questions
Can you do Hajj and Umrah together?
Yes, in three forms. Hajj Tamattu means performing Umrah first, exiting ihram, then re-entering ihram for Hajj, the most common among pilgrims from India. Hajj Qiran combines both in a single unbroken state of ihram. Hajj Ifrad is Hajj alone.
How much does Hajj cost from India?
Between 3,50,000 and 7,00,000 rupees per person, against 78,000 to 3,10,000 for Umrah. Hajj is longer at 25 to 40 days, falls on fixed dates, and requires accommodation in Mina and Arafat.
Should I do Umrah before Hajj?
Most pilgrims do, because Hajj involves a quota ballot and often a multi-year wait while an Umrah visa takes 24 to 72 hours. It also serves as preparation, since the tawaf and sa'i performed during Hajj are the same rites.