Islam, as a complete way of life, places a strong spiritual development, worship, and submission to the spirit of Allah. The pilgrimage of Islam is categorized into two forms: Hajj and Umrah. While both involve to visit the holy city of Mecca and engage in specific rituals, but they are differ to each other in term of their religious obligations, rituals, timing, and some other things.

Muslims all across the world want to undertake these journey as a protest of their faith, humility, and devotion to Allah. Understanding the difference between Hajj and Umrah is very important for every Muslim and those interested in Islamic practices. Let’s see the key characteristics:

Hajj:

Hajj is the holy act of worship and fifth pillar of Islam. It is performed by Millions of Muslims all around the world every year.

Hajj is performed by Muslims in the last month of Islamic calendar (Dhul Hijjah).

Hajj is a spiritual duty of Islam that is performed by Muslims at least once in their lives if they are financially and physically able to do. The rituals of Hajj are more than Umrah and time taken process.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find there to a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.” (Qur’an | Surah Al-Imran (3:97))

So, in this case, to consider its importance, many Muslims go to Mecca to perform Hajj by booking Cheap Hajj Packages.

Umrah:

Umrah is often known as “lesser pilgrimage”. It is an act of worship undertaken by Muslims. It is a voluntary worship not obligatory. It is the Sunnah of our Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) and highly recommended by Him. It holds immense spiritual rewards and blessings. It is a great opportunity for rebuild our faith and clean our soul. Pilgrims seek forgiveness and make Duas to get closeness to Allah. Umrah involves fewer rituals and shorter in time than Hajj.

Differences between Hajj and Umrah

Both Hajj and Umrah are visits to holy city of Mecca. Some difference in Hajj and Umrah are as follow:

Obligation

Umrah is voluntary and highly recommended but not obligatory. On the other side, Hajj is the 5th pillar of Islam and it is obligatory. If you are financially and physically able then you must perform it at least once in your lifetime.

Time and Duration

Umrah can be performed at any time of the year except few days of Hajj. It can be completed shorter time than Hajj, approximately in 3-6 hours.

Hajj can be done in specific days of Dhul Hijjah from 8th to 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah. It is time taking as compared to Umrah.

Rituals

The rituals of Umrah include entering the state of Ihram, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba seven times, carrying out Sa’i, and last ritual is Halq or Taqsir (trimming or shaving their hair).

In Hajj, the rituals increased as compared to Umrah. The rituals include entering the state of Ihram, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, Sa’i (walking between hills of Safa and Marwah), Waquf at Arafat, Muzdalifah (night stay), Rami (stoning the devil), Qurbani, and the last one is Halq or Taqsir.

Cost

Hajj is more expansive as compared to Umrah, because the demand of Hajj in worldwide is very high. Everyone want to go and perform Hajj, but some countries have quota system and pilgrims often wait years for permission. The flights, accommodations, and meal are expensive in Hajj.

Umrah is less expansive then Hajj. Visas are more easily available in short duration, and reduce overall casts. It can be performed independently or in group.

Is Hajj Harder than Umrah?

Yes, Hajj is harder and difficult than Umrah. Hajj is usually more physically harder than Umrah. Performing Hajj includes rituals staying in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah and doing other specific prayers.

Is Umrah Equal to Hajj?

Yes, performing Umrah in Ramadan is equal rewards to Hajj.

The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) said: “Verily, the Umrah pilgrimage during Ramadan is equal to Hajj.”(Sahih Bukhari).

So, don’t miss the chance and go to Mecca to perform Umrah in Ramadan with booking Ramadan Umrah Packages and avail to clean your soul and faith.

Conclusion

Hajj is an obligatory, once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage with specific dates and more rituals, while Umrah is a smaller pilgrimage, a voluntary act of worship that can be performed at any time. Both pilgrimages hold great spiritual rewards but serve different roles in Islam.