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

The three types of Hac differ in how Umre and Hac are combined: Hac Tamattu involves performing a complete Umre upon arrival in Mekke, exiting ihram and enjoying normal activities, then entering ihram again for Hac on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah. This is the most sunnet type for hacilar coming from outside Mekke, as Hz. Peygamber (sallallahu aleyhi ve sellem) 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 Umre' (Bukhari). A sacrifice (hady) is required.

Hac Ifrad means performing Hac only, without Umre. The haci enters ihram with the intention for Hac alone and remains in ihram (or enters ihram on the 8th if a Mekke resident). No sacrifice is required, though it is sunnet. Hac Qiran combines Umre and Hac in a single continuous ihram — the haci enters ihram intending both and does not exit ihram 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 ihram for a longer period. The majority of scholars recommend Tamattu for non-residents of Mekke, and most Hac operators structure their programs around it.