The ruling on one who shortens his hair out of ignorance during Ifrad Hajj

The questioner:
May Allah reward you, Honorable Shaykh. This questioner says: A person entered the state of ihram for Ifrad Hajj, performed the tawaf and sa'y, and shortened his hair out of ignorance. Is he considered to be performing Ifrad in this case, or does he become a Mutamatti' whether he wills it or not?

The Shaykh:
No, he does not become one whether he wills it or not. If he remains with his intention of Ifrad and shortened his hair due to forgetfulness, he remains with his Ifrad. If he remains with his intention of Ifrad and only shortened his head out of forgetfulness or ignorance, then no, he is not treated as having done other than what he intended. He remains an Ifrad, and his shortening was a mistake. Some scholars say that he is excused due to forgetfulness, and some say that he must pay a fidyah: either slaughtering a sheep, or feeding six poor people, or fasting for three days.

The questioner:
Even if he converts his Hajj to Tamattu'.

The Shaykh:
If he converts it by his intention, that is good. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered those who had not brought the hady to convert after they had performed the tawaf and sa'y. He ordered them to shave and convert, or he ordered them to shorten their hair and convert their Ifrad and Qiran to Tamattu'. This is better. As for us compelling a person to convert whether he wills it or not, we say no. He does not convert except by intention and purpose. Yes.