Question
What is the unspecified Ihram and what is its ruling?
Answer
It is to intend the Ihram without specifying a pilgrimage or Umrah, and it is a valid Ihram. He is required to proceed with one of the two rituals, and he may choose whichever he wishes before he begins the acts of either. If he does not specify, the following details apply: If he performs Tawaf, even if just one round, his Ihram is for Umrah, even if he did not intend the Umrah with his Tawaf. If he stands at Arafat before the Tawaf, his Ihram becomes for the Hajj, even if he did not intend the Hajj with his standing. If he is prevented before the actions or misses the standing or has sexual relations, it becomes specified for Umrah. See: Lubab Al-Manasik, p. 119.