What is the difference between الحج Tamattu, Ifrad, and Qiran?

The three types of الحج differ in how العمرة and الحج are combined: الحج Tamattu involves performing a complete العمرة upon arrival in مكة, exiting الإحرام and enjoying normal activities, then entering الإحرام again for الحج on the 8th of ذو الحجة. This is the most مستحب type for الحجاج coming from outside مكة, as النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: 'If I had known beforehand what I know now, I would not have brought a sacrificial animal and I would have made it an العمرة' (Bukhari). A sacrifice (هدي) is required.

الحج Ifrad means performing الحج only, without العمرة. The الحاج enters الإحرام with the intention for الحج alone and remains in الإحرام (or enters الإحرام on the 8th if a مكة resident). No sacrifice is required, though it is مستحب. الحج Qiran combines العمرة and الحج in a single continuous الإحرام — the الحاج enters الإحرام intending both and does not exit الإحرام between them. The rituals are essentially the same as Ifrad, but a sacrifice is required as with Tamattu. Qiran is less common today as it requires staying in الإحرام for a longer period. The majority of scholars recommend Tamattu for non-residents of مكة, and most الحج operators structure their programs around it.