Which is the best type of Hajj? And an explanation of the error of one who performs Hajj on behalf of another with Hajj only, while he performs 'Umrah for himself.

The Shaykh : The scholars have undoubtedly differed regarding which of these three types of rites is better. The Hanafis hold that qiran is better, the Shafi'is hold that ifrad is better, and the Hanbalis hold that tamattu' is better. Some of the Hanbalis consider this preference to be among the obligatory matters that one must not be lax in. Those who differed each adopt the position they hold for themselves, whether they perform Hajj for themselves or for others. However, the reality is that those who perform Hajj today perform a substitute Hajj. They throw it behind them, making this substitute Hajj a substitute for an ifrad Hajj, into one of two matters. The connection of one of these matters to this pilgrim differs according to the intention of this pilgrim. If we assume the best of him, he intends to perform a substitute Hajj to reduce the expenses of this Hajj for the one who appointed him or tasked him with performing a substitute Hajj. This is if we assume the best of him. As for if we assume the worst of him, and this is naturally contrary to the presumption of innocence, the scope for discussion is wide: he wants to fulfill the substitute Hajj for the lowest price in order to benefit from the surplus of what was given to him as costs for this Hajj. As for there being a distinction in the Shari'ah between one who performs Hajj for himself and one who performs Hajj for another, this has no basis.
We cannot impose a specific opinion on people regarding these three types. However, what has become clear to us from studying the Book and the Sunnah, which clarifies the Book, is that Hajj al-tamattu' is the best of the types without doubt or hesitation. In fact, it is an obligatory matter related to the rites of Hajj. Therefore, we remind that one who performs Hajj on behalf of another, just as if he performed Hajj for himself, must make his Hajj a Hajj of tamattu' in all cases.