Distinction Between the Two Types of Umrah

The Imamiyyah philosopher made a distinction between al‑`Umrah al‑mufradah and `Umrah al‑tamattu`, stating the following reasons:

1. The Tawaf al-nisa' is mandatory in al‑`Umrat al‑mufradah, not in the `Umrat al‑tamattu; and according to some jurists is prohibited.

2. The duration of `Umrah al‑tamattu` continues from the first Shawwal month till the ninth of Dhu al‑Hijjah, whereas al‑`Umrah al‑mufradah can be performed throughout the year.

3. The pilgrim performing the `Umrah al‑tamattu` need to shorten the hair (al‑taqsir), whereas the mu`tamir of al‑`Umrah al‑mufradah can opt for shortening his hair or completely shaving (al‑halq).

4. The `Umrah al‑tamattu` and the Hajj fall in the same year while it is not in the case of al‑`Umrat al‑mufradah.

Karrarah, in his book al‑Din wa al‑Hajj `ala al‑madhahib al‑'arba'ah, mentions that, according to the Shafi`i  and Maliki schools, for the mu'tamir of al‑`Umrat al‑mufradah all things are permitted, even sexual intercourse, al‑taqsir (after the shortening of hair) or al‑halq (the head shave), irrespective of whether he brings along with him the sacrificial offering (al‑hady) or not. However according to the Hanafi and Hanbali  schools, the mu'tamir gets away with al‑taqsir or al‑halq, if he does not carry the divine offering; otherwise, he remains in the state of ihram until he gets through the Hajj and Umrah on yawn al‑nahr (on the day of sacrifice).