What is the Difference Between Hajj and Umrah?

Both Hajj and Umrah are two holy journeys that every Muslim wishes to embark on. They hold significant importance in Islam and Muslim life. These two spiritual journeys are a lot different from each other. Still, many Muslims fail to understand the basic difference between the two. If you are planning to go on Hajj or Umrah this year, you must be concerned about how you will perform this holy journey. Don’t worry. Every Muslim who goes for the first time has the same feelings. However, to fulfill this sacred journey successfully, it’s better to understand the rituals before visiting the holy city of Mecca. 

In this article, we will share how Hajj is different from Umrah and the essential religious duties of both. Are you planning your pilgrimage? Or want to learn about these holy journeys, this guide is for you. Let’s get into this and gain insight into the spiritual journeys of Hajj and Umrah. 

What is Hajj?

If you are a Muslim, you must be aware of the five pillars of Islam. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. However, Umrah is not a pillar of Islam but a short spiritual journey. Hajj is an obligatory pilgrimage for a Muslim. But to only those who are physically and financially capable of performing Hajj. It is not just a holy journey that a Muslim should go on but it holds a deep message and religious significance. The purpose of Hajj is to complete a religious obligation. Also, follow the footsteps of Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) and Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S). Moreover, this spiritual journey is to seek forgiveness from Allah. It is believed Hajj purifies the soul. 

 

How Hajj is Different From Umrah?

As we mentioned earlier, Umrah is not a pillar of Islam. It is a mini-pilgrimage that anyone who wants to gather Allah’s blessings can go on. Here is a detailed list of differences between Hajj and Umrah.

Date and Time

There are no fixed dates or times to perform Umrah. A Muslim can perform Umrah at any time of the year. However, Hajj can only be performed in the holy month of Zil Hajj. Also, this journey should be completed before the 10th Zil Hajj. Because it is the day of Eid al Adha, and all Muslims sacrifice animals on this day, including Hajis. 

 

Umrah can be completed in one day, too, but Hajj takes six days. During this time, Muslims need to fulfill all the religious duties associated with Hajj. Moreover, Hajj is compulsory for physically fit and financially capable Muslims. However, Umrah is just a Sunah, and Muslims are under no compulsion to perform it. 

Religious Obligations and Duties

During Hajj, a Muslim should fulfill all religious duties according to Islamic teachings. This includes Tawaf, Sa’i, Qurbani, and others. Qurbani is neither a part of nor a compulsion for Umrah. 

Tawaf

Any Muslim performing Umrah can undertake Tawaf and Sa’i. Tawaf is a part of these spiritual journeys where you walk in circles around the holy Kaaba. The motion should be anti-clockwise during Tawaf. One Tawaf is equal to seven circles, each with a starting and ending at the black stone. There are no restrictions on offering voluntary prayers. Any Muslim can offer as many voluntary prayers as he wishes, whether on Hajj or Umrah. 

Sa’i

After completing your Tawaf, a Muslim should perform Sa’i. Sa’i is a Hajj obligation that Umrah performers can also follow. The walking and running between the two hills of Safa and Marwa is called Sa’i. A Hajj and Umrah performer should complete seven rounds between Safa and Marwa. 

It is not just a part of the spiritual journey; it has deep meaning. Sa’i is performed in remembrance of Hazrat Ibrahim’s wife, Hajra (AS). She struggled to find water for her son, Prophet Ismail (AS). She ran between Safa and Marwa for search of water. This is now a part of these spiritual journeys, and all Muslims perform this as a religious duty. 

Sa’i men get their hair shaved, and women clip their hair to end the spiritual journey of Umrah. The religious obligations of Hajj and Umrah are almost the same. Umrah is completed once the hair is shaved or clipped. However, Hajj is much longer and is not completed until Qurbani.

Stoning the Devil & Qurbani

It is one of the major differences between Hajj and Umrah. Pilgrims go to Mina, Arafah, and Muzdalifah, while Umrah performers don’t visit these spots. Here, the Hajj pilgrims undertake the stoning of the devil and Qurbani. Moreover, Hajj performers spend Eid at Makkah and undertake their sacrifice or Qurbani to mark the completion of their spiritual journey. Also, during the holy month of Zil Hajj and Eid ul Adha occasion Muslims give Zakat and Sadaqah. 

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between Hajj and Umrah is essential for all Muslims, especially for those who plan to embark on the spiritual journey. Hajj involves several mandatory rituals and religious obligations that are not associated with Umrah. However, both hold a significant importance in Islam. We have mentioned the basic difference between the two in this guide. For a detailed guide, you must consult a traveling guide or an experienced individual to perform both the right way.

FAQs

What is the major difference between Hajj and Umrah?

The major difference between the two is that Hajj is mandatory for a financially capable Muslim, but Umrah is a Sunnah, not a compulsion. Also, Hajj is a pillar of Islam, and Umrah is just a mini pilgrimage. Hajj can only be performed in the month of Zil Hajj, whereas Umrah can be performed at any time of the year.

How many Umrah is equal to Hajj?

There is no such information in Islamic history or authentic narrations on the number of Umrah equal to Hajj. However, according to Bukhari Hadith performing Umrah in the holy month of Ramadan is equal to Hajj.