What is the Difference Between Umrah and Hajj?

Islam has two major pilgrimages, Hajj and Umrah. Both are done in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. But there are distinctions between the two. Obligation, timing, duration, rituals, spiritual rewards, and cost. Holy pilgrims travel to Mecca to carry out these sacred rites. But the two pilgrimages each have their own lines of demarcation. Hajj is obligatory, whilst Umrah is not obligatory but is highly recommended. The two rituals also differ in their timing and length. This article will compare Umrah with Hajj, including costs, spiritual benefits, and if one can replace the other. Furthermore, Islamic Travel will help pilgrims make their pilgrimage more convenient by offering Umrah Tour Packages. 

Obligation: Is It Mandatory?

The obligations of Hajj and Umrah are very different. So let’s get into what the difference is.

Hajj – Obligation (Fard) Once in a Lifetime

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for Muslims once in their lives. But this obligation comes with certain conditions. Must have good spirit and health as well as financially. They also have to have the means to travel to Mecca. It is a religious requirement if you can afford it. Hajj is necessary and this is established through the Quran and the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is mandatory only once in a lifetime and occurs during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. 

Umrah — Sunnah (Not Necessary, but Prized and Veritable)

Umrah is optional, in contrast. The Prophet’s (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) narration is highly virtuous but not required. Unlike Hajj, a Muslim is not required to conduct Umrah at least once in their lifetime. But it is an important act of worship. For blessings, many Muslims prefer to do Umrah. Performance can take place at any time of the year, but the very days of Hajj are prohibited for it. Although not mandatory, Umrah is very praiseworthy. Most Muslims wish to perform Umrah during Ramadan. The majority of them buy Ramadan Umrah Tour Packages from Islamic Travel to get additional benefits. One of the most demanding request from pilgrims is April Umrah Packages most of British Muslim demands for this package due to Easter Holidays. Which falls in the month of April.

Timing: When Can It Be Done?

The timing of these two pilgrimages is one of the key differences. Now, let’s check when each can happen.

Hajj

Hajj has a fixed time. It has to be done in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. The pilgrimage occurs between the 8th and the 12th of this month. However, the specific days vary each year depending on the lunar calendar. This timeline is observed by pilgrims all around the world. In these days, they perform a few rites. Among them are Tawaf (circumambulating the Kaaba), Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah), and standing at Arafat. Hajj may not be performed at any other time.

Umrah

While, on the contrary, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year. There is no time limit for completing Umrah. It is also especially popular among Muslims during the month of Ramadan. The rewards of making Umrah during Ramadan are said to be way higher. It is the reason that Islamic Travel provide special Ramadan Umrah Tour Packages. You can also book Last minute Umrah Packages by the trusted Umrah agency in UK.

Length: What Is the Duration for?

The length of time to make these pilgrimages is another major difference.

Hajj

The Hajj period generally takes around 5 days to complete. These days, pilgrims execute many practices. It is a time-consuming and cumbersome process. There are rites such as standing at Arafat, dwelling in Mina, and casting stones at the Jamarat. Pilgrims must go to numerous locations in Mecca to complete their pilgrimage procedures. It is physically grueling the entire time.

Umrah

Umrah is much shorter. The entire process will take a few hours to a day. The primary rites of Umrah are Tawaf, Sa’i, and shaving or cutting the hair. Umrah is shorter because there are fewer rituals. Most pilgrims do perform Umrah during their time in Mecca. You can do it in a day easily.

Rituals: What Are the Important Steps?

Both Hajj and Umrah are comprised of a few important ceremonies; however, Hajj ceremonies are more complex.

Hajj

• Ihram: Entering a state of spiritual purity.
• Tawaf: The act of circling the Kaaba’s facade seven times.
• Sa’i: The walk between Safa and Marwah seven times.
• Standing at Arafat: Spend the day in Arafat.
• Mina: including the time in Mina and the stoning of the Jamarat.
• Shaving or Trimming Hair: Shaving head in men; cutting off a part of hair in women.

Umrah

• Ihram: The state of spiritual purification.
• Tawaf: The act of circling the Kaaba seven times.
• Evolution of the word sa’i: Walking between Safa and Marwah seven times.
• Shaving or Trimming Hair: As with Hajj, male pilgrims shave their heads, while female pilgrims cut some of their hair.

Spiritual Rewards: Which Is More Rewarding?

Both pilgrimages have big spiritual payoffs, but one is bigger.

Hajj

As per the teachings derived from Prophet Muhammad PBUH, Hajj is the greatest act of worship. The benefits of completing Hajj are still greater. It is said to cleanse a person of their past transgressions. The one who performs Hajj mabruur is like a newborn. Hajj is one of the most significant deeds in a Muslim’s life escape.

Umrah

Umrah provides spiritual advantages as well. It is a form of worship that brings a person closer to Allah. The virtues of Umrah are immense, but not as much as that of Hajj. And those who do Umrah in Ramadan shall have even greater rewards. Many Muslims prefer to go to Umrah in the month of Ramadan. 

Cost: Which one is more costly?

For many pilgrims, the cost is a key consideration.

Hajj

Compared to the Umrah, the Hajj is significantly more costly. For example 2-3 Weeks Non-Shifting Hajj Package consists of 7 nights Makkah, 4 nights Madinah, and 5 nights Mina & Arafat. It starts from £5,695, including flights, visa, and Qurbani. It’s common for Hajj packages to be relatively pricier, particularly during the peak season. As the cost can be cumbersome for some Muslims, this is obligatory.

Umrah

Umrah is considered to be much more affordable. Its shortened timeframe and lower number of ceremonies also help keep costs down. Islamic Travel offers different Umrah Tour Packages at different prices. For example, the cost of a 7-night umrah package starts at £645. These packages can help alleviate the financial burden of the pilgrimage on Muslims. Islamic Travel also offer an opportunity to experience spirituality during the holy month.  Umrah is possible for many Muslims because it is much less expensive.

Can Umrah Replace Hajj?

Umrah cannot replace Hajj. Hajj is an obligatory pilgrimage and Umrah is not. If you meet the requirements, you should perform Hajj once in your lifetime. In contrast, Umrah is highly praiseworthy and has its great virtues but does not replace Hajj. 

Final Summary: Hajj vs. Umrah

Hajj is an obligatory pilgrimage that a person is required to perform once in life. Five days and many rituals are devoted to it. Hajj is more rewarding spiritually than Umrah, and it costs more. While Umrah is a voluntary type of worship. This one is more flexible and less expensive because it’s shorter and can be done any time of year. Both journeys are spiritually rewarding, but Hajj is the higher and greater of the two. Islamic Travel can help Muslims plan their journey and make it more convenient.

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