Hajj and Umrah are two significant sacred pilgrimages for Muslims around the world. All capable Muslims seek the forgiveness and blessings of Allah by completing Hajj and Umrah once or numerous times in their lifetime. The destination for both of these religious journeys are Makkah and Madinah. While both have similarities in destinations, rituals, and significance, there are still enough differences to set them apart. So, what is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?
The main difference between Hajj and Umrah is that the Hajj is obligatory for capable Muslims, and can only be performed in the month of Dhul-Hijjah. On the other hand, Umrah is not an obligatory pilgrimage and can be performed at any time of the year. The amount of time required to perform the pilgrimages also differs.
That’s not all. There are a few other differences that sets the two pilgrimage apart and you should learn about them to understand which one to prioritize and perform. Keep reading to comprehensively understand the difference between Hajj and Umrah.
What is Hajj?
Hajj is the major pilgrimage and one of the five pillars of Islam.
“It is reported by Ibn ‘Umar (May Allah be pleased with them): The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “(The structure of) Islam is built on five (pillars): Testification of ‘La ilaha illallah’ (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), that Muhammad (ﷺ) is his slave and Messenger, the establishment of Salat, the payment of Zakat, the pilgrimage to the House of Allah (Ka’bah), and Saum during the month of Ramadan.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
If capable, every Muslim must perform this sacred pilgrimage at least once in their life. It is performed once a year following the rituals taught by the Prophet Mohammad ﷺ. These rites provide physical, and emotional challenge for the pilgrim. But an accepted Hajj takes us closer to Allah (SWT) and the rewards are unimaginable.
What is Umrah?
Umrah is also known as the ‘lesser pilgrimage’ or ‘minor pilgrimage’. The rituals of Umrah are much simpler and requires less physical challenge. This pilgrimage is also done in the holy city of Makkah and any Muslim can perform it at any time of the year. One can complete Umrah in just a few hours.
Umrah pilgrimage is a sacred journey that many Muslims perform to get their sins forgiven and come closer to Allah. While Umrah is not obligatory, it is highly recommended act of worship.
Difference Between Hajj and Umrah
Both Hajj and Umrah are important in Islam. Both pilgrimages are performed at the Holy Kaaba, but based on the significance and rituals, they are quite different. The difference between Hajj and Umrah can be seen in a number of things. Below, you will learn about the most important ones:
How is Hajj Different From Umrah: Mandatory vs. Non-Mandatory
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, which makes it a mandatory act of worship for every capable Muslim. A capable Muslim refers to someone who Is financially, mentally and physically capable of performing Hajj. And someone who fits these criteria must complete Hajj at least one time in their lifetime.
While there are many similarities between Umrah and Hajj, Umrah is not compulsory for Muslims. It is considered a lesser or minor pilgrimage and Umrah also cost less than Hajj. Still, Umrah has immense rewards and it is a Sunnah. Every year countless Muslims perform Umrah.
Importance of Hajj and Umrah
Performing both Hajj and Umrah helps a believer receive Allah’s forgiveness, mercy and rewards. However, their importance is still different based on the teachings of Islam.
Hajj is a sacred journey that is obligatory upon every Muslim. Every Muslim must perform Hajj pilgrimage if he or she is financially and physically capable.
“The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah and does not utter any obscene speech or do any evil deed, will go back (free of sin) as his mother bore him.”
On the other hand, Umrah is not obligatory for every Muslim. While it is not mandatory, it is a highly recommended Sunnah. This is what mainly differentiates Hajj and Umrah in terms of significance.
Difference Between Umrah and Hajj Timing
The timing between when Hajj and Umrah can be performed is also different. Muslims can perform Hajj only at a specific time of the Islamic calendar. That time is in the month of Dhu’l-Hijjah and it is from 8th to 12th Dhu’l-Hijjah to be exact. Hajj can not be performed during any other time of the year.
Unlike Hajj, there is no fixed schedule or time for Umrah. Any Muslim can perform Umrah at any time of the year. Usually, many Muslims prefer the month of Ramadan for performing Umrah. Hajj pilgrims can also perform Umrah if they are performing Hajj ul-Qiran.
Difference Between Hajj and Umrah Rituals
Hajj and Umrah rituals are mostly similar. However, if you are performing Hajj, there are a few added rituals that you need to perform which are not needed to perform Umrah.
For Umrah, you need to wear the correct clothing with the intention of performing Umrah to enter the holy State of Ihram. Then comes the key rituals of Umrah, which are Tawaf and Sa’ae. These two rituals are common for both Umrah and Hajj and are performed similarly.
Tawaf is performed in Masjid al-Haram around the Kaaba, the house of Allah. Pilgrims walk around the Kaaba in an anticlockwise direction seven times to complete Tawaf.
Then they must perform Sa’ae which is seven rounds of walking and running between Safa and Marwah. Lastly, both pilgrimages end with the cutting or shaving of the hair.
Besides the abovementioned ones, there are more rituals included in Hajj which are starting the state of Ihram from Meeqat, travelling of Mina, standing on Arafah until sunset, stoning the Shaitan, spending the night at Muzdalifah, and doing Qurabani or sacrificing the animal.
(Note: The rituals mentioned for Umrah are also included in the rituals of Hajj.)
Required Time for Hajj and Umrah
The difference between Hajj and Umrah can also be seen in the time that is required to perform the pilgrimages. Hajj takes longer time than Umrah as it requires the completion of more rituals and travelling. At least five to six days are needed to perform and complete Hajj.
A pilgrim can complete the Umrah rituals in a few hours. However, the Umrah pilgrim can take a day or week to complete the Umrah if he or she wants. The short required time for Umrah makes it more convenient for the ones who have less resources and abilities.
The required time to perform Hajj and Umrah varies so much due to the rituals and physical toil.
Difference in Location
Hajj requires pilgrims to travel and visit different locations such as Muzdalifah and Arafah. One must visit these locations and do the required rituals to complete their Hajj.
On the other hand, Umrah pilgrims don’t have to go anywhere from Masjid al-Haram. All the Umrah rituals are done here so pilgrims can complete their Umrah in one place.
Pillars of Hajj and Umrah
There are also differences between the pillars of Hajj and Umrah.
Hajj has four pillars, which are:
Pillar 1 – Ihram: Ihram is a state during which a pilgrim must adhere to strict rules and regulations and specific timing.
Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. [2:197]
Pillar 2 – Saee: Saee is walking between two hills called Safa and Marwa. This ritual is performed to honor the struggle of Hajar (AS) who was the wife of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and the mother of Prophet Ismail (AS). Safa and Marwa are the hills between which she ran seven times to find water for her infant son Prophet Ismail (AS). To teach the significance Saee, Allah says in the Quran:
Indeed, as-Safa and al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj [pilgrimage] to the House or performs Umrah – there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers good – then indeed, Allah is Appreciative and Knowing. [2:158]
Pillar 3 – Waqfat: Another pillar of Hajj is the Waqfat Arafah. From the noon of the 9th to the dawn of the 10th Dhul Hijjah is the time to stand and pray in Arafah. Pilgrims must adhere to this ritual following the prescribed time and place.
Narrated ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Ya’mar: that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The Hajj is ‘Arafat, the Hajj is ‘Arafat, the Hajj is ‘Arafat. The days of Mina are three: (But whoever hastens to leave in two days, there is no sin on him, and whoever stays on, there is no sin on him (2:203)). And whoever sees (attends) the ‘Arafah before the rising of Fajr, then he has performed the Hajj.”
Pillar 4 – Tawaf Al Ifadah
Pilgrims must perform Tawaf Al Ifadah. They must not leave without performing this ritual. During Tawaf Al Ifadah, circumambulation of the Holy Kaaba is done by the pilgrims seven times.
Allah SWT says in the Quran:
Then let them end their untidiness and fulfill their vows and perform ‹Tawaf around the ancient House.”
While not entirely same, Umrah also has 4 pillars. They are:
Pillar 1 – Ihram: Ihram is the first pillar of Umrah. It is a sacred state that every individual with the intention of Umrah must enter before starting his or her holy journey.
Pillar 2 – Tawaf: During Tawaf pilgrims circumambulate the Holy Kaaba while following an anti-clockwise direction.
Pillar 3 – Saae: Saae is the third one. This ritual takes place between Safa and Marwa. Pilgrims perform ritualistic walk between these two mountains.
Pillar 4 – Tahallul: Tahallul is the 4th and last pillar. It means freeing oneself from the holy state of Umrah. And pilgrims need to shave their head after the completion of Umrah.
Hajj and Umrah Types
Hajj Types
There are different types of Hajj and Umrah. Hajj has three types, which are:
- Hajj ul Qiran
- Hajj ul Ifrad
- Hajj ul Tamattu
Hajj ul Qiran is performing the Hajj and Umrah together. In this Hajj, the pilgrim makes the intention of completing both when wearing the Ihram.
The simplest type of Hajj is the Hajj ul Ifrad where the pilgrim makes the intention of only performing Hajj during Ihram. There is no intention for Umrah.
Another type of Hajj is Hajj ul Tamattu. When wearing the Ihram for Hajj ul Tamattu, pilgrims makes the intention for Umrah only, but it is at the month of the Hajj. After performing Tawaf Saee as well as Qasr for Umrah, they wear the Ihram of Hajj on the 8th day of Dhul-Hijjah. After that, they perform all the Hajj rituals and duties.
Umrah Types
There are only two types of Umrah. They are:
- Umrah ul Mufradah
- Umrah ul Tamattu
Umrah ul Mufradah is independent of Hajj as it is performed all year but during the days of Hajj.
Umrah ul Tamattu is the combination of Hajj and Umrah. However, it ends before the 8th day of Dhul-Hijjah or the beginning of Hajj rituals.
Is Hajj and Umrah Equal?
Hajj and Umrah both are rewarding spiritual journey that brings the pilgrims closer to the Creator and helps to improve the condition of faith. However, Hajj and Umrah are not equal.
Hajj is an obligation and one of the pillars of Islam. Every Muslim who is capable must perform it to complete their religion. It is an obligation upon all Muslims.
On the other hand, Umrah is a Sunnah that brings abundance blessings and increase your faith. But it is a choice and not a requirement.
In terms of significance, Hajj has more value than Umrah since it makes the pilgrims become like a newborn, which means without any sins.
It is reported from the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him): “Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah and does not utter any obscene speech or do any evil deed, will go back (free of sin) as his mother bore him.”
Similarities Between Hajj and Umrah
The differences between Hajj and Umrah can be seen in significance, rituals, timing and more. However, there are some mention worthy similarities as well between the two pilgrimages.
- Both Hajj and Umrah have some similar rituals that include Tawaf, Saae, and the shaving of the hair after the pilgrimage is complete.
- Rituals of both Hajj and Umrah start from the Holy Kaaba, so all Muslims must travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia to perform both Hajj and Umrah.
- The primary purpose of both Hajj and Umrah is worshipping the Almighty Allah.
- Both Hajj and Umrah help to strengthen the faith and get Allah’s forgiveness, blessings and rewards. They also protect one from poverty.
- Wearing the scared state of Ihram is a requisite for both the pilgrimages.
- In both Hajj and Umrah, one needs to restrict himself or herself from evil deeds and sins.
- Muslim community from all over the world comes together for both Hajj and Umrah, which provide a sense of unity.
Conclusion
The main difference between Hajj and Umrah is that Hajj is obligatory for capable Muslims while Umrah is a highly recommended Sunnah. There are also other differences that includes the way both pilgrimages are performed or rituals, the required time to complete the pilgrimages, the rewards and even the costs of both pilgrimages.