Have you ever wondered about the difference between Hajj and Umrah? Both are Islamic pilgrimages undertaken by Muslims from around the world. And while it may seem like there isn’t much of a difference between Hajj and Umrah, there are distinct differences between a lot of fundamentals of Hajj and Umrah.

From the significance to time needed, and from obligatory acts to non-obligatory, Hajj and Umrah have clear distinctions. Comprehending these differences is important to grasp the factors that fundamentally separate the two pilgrimages.

Understanding the differences between Hajj and Umrah helps Muslims worldwide prepare better for their spiritual journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. For instance, if someone is facing financial and physical constraints, they may not be able to perform Hajj but they can still visit Mecca for Umrah. Without the understanding of the difference between the two, pilgrims cannot decide what is best for them according to their financial and physical stature. 

Also Read: Sa’i: Another Sunnah of Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimage

Understanding the differences between Hajj and Umrah helps Muslims worldwide prepare better for their spiritual journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. For instance, if someone is facing financial and physical constraints, they may not be able to perform Hajj but they can still visit Mecca for Umrah. Without the understanding of the difference between the two, pilgrims cannot decide what is best for them according to their financial and physical stature. 

The most distinct and important difference between Hajj and Umrah is the significance and rewards. There is no doubt that Umrah also rewards the pilgrims and is a significant pilgrimage but the weight Hajj carries is substantially more because it is one of the five pillars of Islam. 
Let’s dive deep into the fundamental differences that separate Hajj from Umrah for a more refined understanding of this fantastic topic.  

What is Umrah?

Umrah is a spiritual journey undertaken by Muslims around the world. It is a simpler and smaller version of the main pilgrimage – Hajj. Umrah can be performed in a few hours at any time of the year without any restrictions. The pilgrimage of Umrah is not compulsory but recommended and it is believed that performing Umrah helps worshippers purify themselves spiritually and seek blessings from Allah.
As previously mentioned, it is neither compulsory nor a pillar of Islam but still, Umrah tour is a sacred journey undertaken by millions of Muslims from around the world to purify themselves and come close to God almighty.

How to Perform Umrah?

Following are the essential steps of Umrah that one must follow to successfully complete the Umrah pilgrimage; 

• Ihram – Enter into a state of Ihram (physical and spiritual purity). This is also the step where you get changed into the Ihram garments. 

• Niyyah – The next step is to make Niyyah at the Miqat point or close to it as you move in its direction. You must recite Talbiyah after making your intention for Umrah. 

• Masjid-Al-Haram – Enter Masjid-Al-Haram to perform the rituals of Umrah such as – Tawaf al-Umrah, and Sa’ee (walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah).

• Taqsir – The final important step of the process is Halq or Taqsir where you must shave your head or trim it by an inch minimum to exit the state of Ihram and complete the Umrah. 

Also Read: Umrah- A Comprehensive Guide

What is Hajj?

Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is a sacred journey and one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a mandatory duty of every believer of Islam to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime, granted they have financial means alongside physical and mental health. Hajj is performed over several days. According to Islamic beliefs, performing these rites with faith in Allah represents submission to god and earns merit.

How to Perform Hajj?

Hajj is a comparatively longer process with more compulsory steps to follow such as; 

• Niyyah – The very first step of Hajj is to make an intention (Niyyah) to perform Hajj and enter the state of Ihram (purity) while crossing the outer boundaries of Mecca called Miqat.

• Performing Tawaf – a principal ritual in the holy pilgrimage that involves circumambulating around the Kaaba seven times comes next. 

• Sa’ee – It is followed by the act of sa’ee. It involves walking or running seven times between the Mountains of Safa and Marwah.

• Mina – After these obligatory steps, pilgrims walk or take a bus ride to Mina – a tent city on the outskirts of Mecca. 

• Arafat– The devotees then move from Mina to the mountains of Arafat, also popularly known as Mount Mercy. The pilgrims spend the entire day on Mount Arafat praying and listening to the sermons from Masjid al-Nimra.

• Muzdalifah– On the day of Arafat, after sunset, the pilgrims move from Arafat to Muzdalifah. The pilgrims also collect 49 pebbles for the stoning ritual.

• Rami & Hady– Rami (symbolic stoning of the Devil) and Hady (animal sacrifice) are the next two important rituals. 

• Tawaf al-Ifadha – The pilgrims after the sacrifice and shaving of the hair, head to Mecca to perform Tawaf al-Ifadha and then Sa’ee as part of the Hajj rituals

• Rami – The second and third day of Rami (stoning of the devil). 

• Tawaf al-Wida– (Farewell Tawaf) is performed to mark the successful completion of the pilgrimage.

Also Read: Tawaf: An obligation of Hajj and Umrah

Explain The Main Difference Between Hajj & Umrah

Hajj and Umrah are both sacred pilgrimages to Mecca undertaken by millions of Muslims every year but they are very different from one another. Umrah is a quick and non-compulsory sacred journey that people undertake to cleanse themselves while Hajj is a compulsory pilgrimage and the last pillar of Islam that must be undertaken by every Muslim if their finances and health allow them. There are core differences between Hajj and Umrah based on grounds like significance, the time required and so on.

5 Differences Between Hajj and Umrah

The top 5 differences between the two are discussed below.

Criteria	Umrah	Hajj
Importance	Umrah although recommended, it is not an obligatory pillar of Islam.	Hajj should be performed by every able-bodied Muslim globally as it is one of the five pillars of Islam.
Location	Umrah can easily be performed within the holy Kabah and the pilgrims do not have to go to any other place.	Hajj pilgrims have to visit different venues such as Arafat and Muzdalifah apart from Majid al-Haram.
Best Time to perform	Umrah can and is performed throughout the year except during the Hajj pilgrim.	Hajj is performed only once a year during the month of Dhu al-Hijja, the last month of the lunar calendar.
Mandatory Acts	There are four obligatory rituals – assuming the state of Ihram, performing Tawaf, carrying out Sa’ee between Safa and Marwah and finally Taqsir or Halq	Hajj includes – assuming the state of Ihram from Meeqat, Tawaf Al Ifadah, undertaking Sa’ee, Wuquf or standing on Arafah until sunset, stoning the Jamarat, Udhiyah commonly known as the sacrifice of any livestock animal, shaving the hair, and lastly, perform farewell circumambulation.
Time Required	Umrah can be completed within a few hours.	Hajj is a longer process that lasts a few days, typically 5-6 days.

Types of Hajj and Umrah

There are three different types of Hajj – Hajj ul Qiran, Hajj ul Ifrad, and Hajj ul Tamattu and two types of Umrah named Umrah ul Mufradah and Umrah ul Tamattu. Although both Hajj and Umrah are pilgrimages that purify your soul and bring you closer to Allah, Hajj is significantly more important than Umrah as it is a pillar of Islam which makes it an obligation for all Muslims. Whereas Umrah is a choice and a sunnah but it is not a mandatory requirement of Islam.

Similarities Between Hajj and Umrah

While there are major differences between the two pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia as stated earlier, there are certain similarities as well. Let’s understand the most prominent similarities between the two; 

• Both the pilgrimages of Hajj and Umrah are performed at Mecca, Saudi Arabia. 

• The primary purpose of both the pilgrimage is to worship the almighty Allah and garner blessings. 

• The pilgrims are required to enter the state of Ihram in both Hajj and Umrah. 

• Some rituals are similar between Hajj and Umrah such as Tawaf of the Kaaba, Sa’ee, and shaving of the head is also.  

• Both the pilgrims have similar restrictions in terms of keeping away from sins and other such acts.

Why is Hajj So Expensive?

Over the last few years the cost of hajj has gone up significantly causing a lot of Muslim pilgrims from around the world to struggle financially to complete the Hajj pilgrimage. The following factors contribute to the rise in price making Hajj so expensive; 

• Inflation – The prices of everything have gone considerably up thanks to the globally rising rates of inflation. 

• Maintenance and Upkeep Cost – The facilities, security and comfort provided by the governing authorities have improved significantly in recent years. This improvement and keep adds to the total cost of Hajj making it more expensive. 

• Increasing number of Applicants – Every year, more and more people apply for hajj contributing to increase in demand leading to higher prices. 

• Increased Taxes – The taxation rates have also increased in recent years. This is amongst the other reasons for the inflated price of Hajj pilgrimage.

Frequently Asked Questions