Is it permissible for the one performing Hajj alone (ifrad) to switch to combining (qiran)?

Question : We conclude this session, Honorable Shaykh, with a question from one of the brothers. He says: Is it permissible for the one performing Hajj alone (ifrad) to switch to combining (qiran)?

Answer : This means he enters the state of ihram for 'Umrah while already in the state of ihram for Hajj. He first enters ihram for Hajj, then adds 'Umrah to it. There is scholarly disagreement among the people of knowledge on this matter. Some said that it is not valid to add 'Umrah to Hajj, and this is the well-known position of the Hanbali school (may Allah have mercy on them). Based on this, the one performing Hajj alone (ifrad) cannot become one who combines (qarin). However, the one performing Hajj alone (ifrad) can, and it is better for him, to become one who combines with a break (mutamatti'), by changing his intention from Hajj to 'Umrah.
If he has already performed tawaf and sa'y, he exits the state of ihram by shortening his hair. If he has not performed tawaf or sa'y, he performs tawaf and sa'y with the intention of 'Umrah, then shortens his hair, and then remains in a state of permissibility (halal) until the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah arrives, when he enters the state of ihram for Hajj. May Allah reward you, Honorable Shaykh, and may Allah bless you.