What is the difference between tamattu', ifrad, and qiran, and which is better?
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The questioner : What is the difference between tamattu', ifrad, and qiran, and which is better?
The Shaykh : Qiran and ifrad are the same in their actions, but the one performing qiran is distinguished by having obtained two pilgrimages, namely 'Umrah and Hajj, and it is obligatory for him to offer a sacrificial animal if he is able; otherwise, he must fast three days during Hajj and seven days when he returns.
As for the one performing tamattu', the difference between him and the one performing qiran or ifrad is that the one performing tamattu' performs a complete, independent 'Umrah with its tawaf, sa'y, and shortening of the hair, and a complete Hajj with its tawaf, sa'y, and remaining actions. However, he shares with the one performing qiran in that he must offer a sacrificial animal; if he does not find one, he must fast three days during Hajj and seven days when he returns.
As for which is better, the best is tamattu' because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded his Companions to do it, made it obligatory upon them, and became angry when they delayed and questioned him about this matter. Therefore, tamattu' is better than qiran and better than ifrad.
The Shaykh : Qiran and ifrad are the same in their actions, but the one performing qiran is distinguished by having obtained two pilgrimages, namely 'Umrah and Hajj, and it is obligatory for him to offer a sacrificial animal if he is able; otherwise, he must fast three days during Hajj and seven days when he returns.
As for the one performing tamattu', the difference between him and the one performing qiran or ifrad is that the one performing tamattu' performs a complete, independent 'Umrah with its tawaf, sa'y, and shortening of the hair, and a complete Hajj with its tawaf, sa'y, and remaining actions. However, he shares with the one performing qiran in that he must offer a sacrificial animal; if he does not find one, he must fast three days during Hajj and seven days when he returns.
As for which is better, the best is tamattu' because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded his Companions to do it, made it obligatory upon them, and became angry when they delayed and questioned him about this matter. Therefore, tamattu' is better than qiran and better than ifrad.