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

The three types of حج differ in how عمرہ and حج are combined: حج Tamattu involves performing a complete عمرہ upon arrival in مکہ مکرمہ, exiting احرام and enjoying normal activities, then entering احرام again for حج on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah. This is the most مستحب type for حجاج coming from outside مکہ مکرمہ, as نبی کریم (صلی اللہ علیہ 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 عمرہ' (Bukhari). A sacrifice (hady) is required.

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