Performing 'Umrah in Ramadan and Intending Hajj: Is Hady Obligatory?

Question: What is your view regarding one who performed 'Umrah in the blessed month of Ramadan and intends to perform Hajj in the same year? Is the fidyah obligatory for him, and what is the best type of pilgrimage?

Answer: If one performs 'Umrah in Ramadan and then enters the state of ihram for Hajj alone (ifrad) in that same year, he owes no fidyah. This is because the fidyah is only obligatory for one who performs tamattu' by combining 'Umrah with Hajj. This is based on the statement of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He): : [Surat al-Baqarah: 196]. The one who performs 'Umrah in Ramadan and then enters the state of ihram for Hajj in its months is not called a mutamatti'. Rather, the mutamatti' is the one who enters the state of ihram for 'Umrah in the months of Hajj, which are Shawwal, Dhu al-Qi'dah, and the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, and then enters the state of ihram for Hajj in the same year, or combines Hajj and 'Umrah (qiran). This is the mutamatti', and he is the one who owes the fidyah.
The best course for one who intends to perform Hajj is to perform 'Umrah along with his Hajj, circumambulate the Ka'bah for it, perform sa'y, shorten his hair, and exit the state of ihram. Then, he should enter the state of ihram for Hajj in the same year. It is best for him to enter the state of ihram for Hajj on the eighth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded his Companions to do so during the Farewell Pilgrimage.
The mutamatti' must circumambulate the Ka'bah and perform sa'y for his Hajj, just as he circumambulated and performed sa'y for his 'Umrah. The sa'y of 'Umrah does not suffice for the sa'y of Hajj according to the majority of scholars, and this is the correct position; this is indicated by the authentic hadiths from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him).