There are three ways for performing Hajj: (1) Tamattu’: It is when the pilgrim enters the state of Ihraam with the intention to perform ‘Umrah during the months of Hajj, namely Shawwaal, Thoo al-Qa’dah, and Thoo al-Hijjah. And after completing the ‘Umrah, he exits his Ihraam and then enters the Ihraam again in the same year to perform Hajj. (2) Al-Qiraan: It is when the pilgrim enters the Ihraam with the intention to perform both ‘Umrah and Hajj together. (3) Al-Ifraad: It is when the pilgrim enters the Ihraam with the intention to perform Hajj only. In this hadeeth, Marwahn ibn al-Hakam reports that he witnessed ‘Uthman and ‘Alee ibn Abee Taalib (may Allah be pleased with them) in ‘Asfaan, a village that is located about 128 km from the north of Makkah. ‘Uthmaan (may Allah be pleased with him) used to order people not to perform Tamattu’ i.e., he was against the practice of exiting Ihraam after completing ‘Umrah and then entering Ihraam for Hajj, because he (may Allah be pleased with him) believed that this was exclusive to the year of the Prophet’s last Hajj. He (may Allah be pleased with him) also discouraged people to perform Qiraan (i.e., entering Ihraam with the intention of performing ‘Umrah and Hajj together) as he wanted to encourage people to perform Ifraad. His orders against it were not intended to state it is forbidden in religion but only to show it is less favorable. However, when ‘Alee ibn Abee Taalib (may Allah be pleased with him) saw that ‘Uthmaan was against the options of Tamattu’ and Qiraan, he entered his Ihraam with the intention of Qiraan (i.e., performing ‘Umrah and Hajj together) and then remarked that he would not leave the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺfor the opinion of someone else. He (may Allah be pleased with him) did that because he wanted to commit to the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺand because he feared that people may misunderstand the orders of ‘Uthmaan (may Allah be pleased with him) and assume it is forbidden. Obviously, ‘Uthmaan (may Allah be pleased with him) was aware that Qiraan and Tamattu are permissible but he ﷺwanted to encourage people to opt for the more recommended option, from his own point of view, just like what happened to ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him). Nevertheless, they are rewarded for their efforts in deducing the correct opinion. Al-Nasaa’iee recorded that Abu Musa inquired from ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) about it, whereupon 'Umar said: “I know that Allah's Messenger ﷺdid that (observed Tamattu'), but I disliked that people should lay with their wives in the shade of the Arak trees, and then go out for Hajj with their heads dripping.” i.e., ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) disliked people to do Tamattu’ because it allows people to have intercourse with their wives until it is the time of Hajj. It is proven authentic, as reported in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree, when the Prophet ﷺordered his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) to perform Tamattu’, Jaabir ibn ‘Abdillah (may Allah be pleased with him) related that Suraaqah ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) stood up when he met the Prophet ﷺat al-‘Aqabah throwing the pebbles, and said: “O Messenger of Allah! Is this exclusive to you? The Messenger of Allah ﷺsaid: “No, this forever and forever.” From the benefits that can be concluded from this hadeeth is learning that scholars and learned people should disseminate their knowledge and clarify and debate rulers and others whenever it is possible with the intention to seek the best interest of Muslims. This hadeeth shows that it is permissible to enter Ihraam with the intention of performing ‘Umrah and Hajj together, and that it is better to clarify words through action. It shows the forbearance of ‘Uthmaan (may Allah be pleased with him) and how he did not blame those who held a different opinion than his. It shows that the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) did not turn a blind eye to a view they believed is weak and always shared the view they found to be stronger. This hadeeth shows that obedience of rulers and people of authority is only with regard to that which is right and proper. .