Unveiling the Difference: Hajj vs. Umrah
- March 13, 2024
- 7 min
Difference Between Hajj and Umrah
Hajj and Umrah are two of the Islamic rituals that involve visiting the Kaaba in Mecca. There are more than difference Between Hajj and Umrah Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for every mentally and financially capable adult Muslim to perform once in their lifetime. Umrah, on the other hand, is a voluntary act of worship and is not obligatory like Hajj, but it bears a strong resemblance to Hajj in its rituals. Both Hajj and Umrah hold great significance in Islam; Hajj expiates all sins and resets the individual’s status to that of a newborn while performing Umrah twice in consecutive years expiates the sins committed between them in this article, we will detail the differences between Hajj and Umrah, how each is performed, their commonalities, and the specific rituals associated with each pilgrimage.
Table of Contents
Obligation and Significance:
Hajj
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, one of its five fundamental pillars, with great rewards. Every financially and physically capable Muslim must perform it once in their lifetime. If a Muslim performs Hajj more than once, the subsequent ones are considered voluntary. Historically, Hajj is linked to Prophet Ibrahim, as Allah commanded him to raise the foundations of the Kaaba and to proclaim Hajj to mankind. The spiritual significance of Hajj lies in bringing Muslims closer to their Lord, shedding life’s burdens, and reminding them of their ultimate return to their Creator. These feelings instill tranquility, strengthen the spiritual aspect, foster tolerance, and encourage embracing life with an open heart.
Umrah
Umrah is an Islamic ritual with great rewards and the potential to expiate sins. It holds several virtues; for instance, performing Umrah during Ramadan equals the reward of performing Hajj with Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This ritual is associated with the story of Lady Hagar and her infant son, Prophet Ismael (peace be upon him) when Prophet Ibrahim left them in the barren desert without water, food, or neighbors. However, Allah saved and provided for them, granting them security. The connection of Umrah to this story teaches pilgrims various values, such as recognizing that Allah alone provides sustenance and that He sustains whom He wills, even in the most challenging times.
Timing and Duration:
Hajj
The rituals of Hajj begin on the eighth day of Dhu al-Hijjah and end on the thirteenth day of the same month. The pilgrimage starts with Ihram, a state in which a Muslim enters to become sanctified. Upon reaching the Kaaba, the pilgrim begins with Tawaf, known as Tawaf al-Qudum. After that, they proceed to Sa’i between Safa and Marwa, which consists of seven rounds between the two hills. The pilgrims then stay in Mina and proceed to stand at Arafat on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the most significant pillar of Hajj and the time when prayers are most likely to be answered. After that, they spend the night in Muzdalifah on the eve of the tenth day, which marks the first day of Eid al-Adha. Then, the pilgrims stone the Jamrat al-Aqabah, sacrifice the animal, shave their heads or trim their hair, perform Tawaf al-Ifadah, and then stone the Jamrat again. Finally, they perform the farewell Tawaf, thus completing this blessed obligation.
Umrah
Regarding Umrah, as mentioned, it can be performed at any time, unlike Hajj. Umrah takes a very short time compared to Hajj. It can be completed in just a few hours. You can perform multiple Umrahs in one trip, but we never recommend doing more than one Umrah in a single day due to the hardship and fatigue it entails. The rituals of Umrah are fewer than those of Hajj. It starts with assuming Ihram, followed by Tawaf, then Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, and finally, shaving or trimming the hair. It doesn’t include standing at Arafat, stoning the pillars, spending the night at Muzdalifah, or other rituals specific to Hajj. It only consists of these four mentioned stages.
To Learn How to Perform the Umrah Rituals Step by Step, Visit our Umrah Comprehensive guide
Detailed explanation of the Hajj rituals
Ihram
a state in which a Muslim enters to become sanctified They do a few things: first, they intend for Ihram, then they wear a specific white attire. The pilgrim must adhere to certain restrictions, such as not cutting nails or hair, avoiding perfumes, refraining from hunting, and abstaining from disputes.
Tawaf
Pilgrims perform the Tawaf al-Qudum upon their arrival at the Sacred Mosque, where they circumambulate the Kaaba seven times. The Tawaf begins at the Black Stone corner, moving in a clockwise direction. Pilgrims may recite certain prayers and supplications during the Tawaf.
Sa'i
The ritual walking between Safa and Marwah During the Sa’i ritual between Safa and Marwa, pilgrims walk back and forth seven times starting from Safa and ending at Marwa. Pilgrims recite prayers and supplications during the Sa’i. You can refer to the prayers and supplications recited during the Sa’i between Safa and Marwa.
Standing at Arafat
Standing at Arafat is the most important pillar of Hajj; it is the cornerstone. If the pilgrim does not perform it, the Hajj is not valid, and it cannot be compensated for by slaughter or charity. The timing of standing at Arafat is on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, and it can be done from noon on the ninth day until dawn on the tenth day. On the day of Arafat, prayers are answered, and Allah boasts to His angels about the pilgrims on the day of Arafat.
Stoning of the Devil at Mina
At Mina, pilgrims perform the ritual of stoning the pillars, which consist of three columns: one for the large pillar, one for the middle, and one for the small. Pilgrims throw seven pebbles, each larger than a chickpea and smaller than a hazelnut, at each of these columns. It is essential to ensure that the pebble hits its designated pillar accurately, and if it misses, the pilgrim must repeat the ritual until it hits the correct one.
Hajj starts on the eighth day of Dhu al-Hijjah and ends on the thirteenth day of the same month, making the total duration of Hajj six days.
For more Details about Performing Hajj, Visit Our Hajj Comprehensive guide
Umrah: Simpler rituals compared to Hajj
- The Ihram for Umrah has no specific time, so the pilgrim can enter the state of Ihram at any time, unlike Hajj, which is restricted to a specific time frame. Additionally, the Ihram for Umrah can be done from anywhere within the boundaries of the Miqat, while Hajj requires an Ihram from specific Miqats for each location.
- Tawaf around the Kaaba: Regarding Umrah, it has only one type of Tawaf, which is one of its pillars. As for Hajj, there are three types of Tawaf: Tawaf Al-Qudum (Arrival Tawaf), Tawaf Al-Ifadah (Tawaf of Departure), and Tawaf Al-Wadaa (Farewell Tawaf).
- Sa’i between Safa and Marwah In Umrah, the Sa’i between Safa and Marwa can be performed at any time, whereas in Hajj, the Sa’i is performed after the Tawaf Al-Ifadah.
- Umrah can be performed at any time of the year unlike Hajj, which has a specific time. Additionally, the rites of Umrah are characterized by flexibility.
Key Difference Between Hajj and Umrah
There are common and different aspects between Hajj and Umrah. The common aspects include starting with Ihram, performing Tawaf, Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, and shaving or trimming the hair. However, the differences lie in the fact that Hajj involves additional rituals such as standing at Arafat, stoning the pillars, spending the night at Muzdalifah, and other rites. Additionally, Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for every capable Muslim, whereas Umrah is recommended but not obligatory. Additionally, Hajj has a specific time frame, which is the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, and it is not permissible for a Muslim to perform Hajj in any other month. However, Umrah can be performed by a Muslim at any time of the year. In fact, one can perform Umrah during the months of Hajj, or even combine Umrah with Hajj.
Common Misconceptions
Clarifying the Difference Between Hajj and Umrah
Some individuals cannot differentiate between them. Some believe Umrah can only be performed during the Hajj season, among other misconceptions that need correction. It’s crucial to distinguish between Hajj and Umrah so that the immense reward of these acts is not lost on many people who exert great effort and spend a lot of money to perform them. Their efforts should not go in vain.
Dispelling Myths in Ritual Practices: Stoning the Pillars
Similarly, some people use large stones and heavy tools when stoning the pillars, thinking that they will hurt the devil more. All of this is incorrect. It is important to adhere only to what has been established by the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. We seek between Safa and Marwa as Hagar did, but she was searching for water, while we are not seeking water. Similarly, Prophet Ibrahim stoned the devil, and we also perform the stoning of the pillars, but not to stone the devil. Not every action we imitate implies we do it for the same purpose.
Importance and Rewards
Spiritual significance of performing Hajj and Umrah
Both Hajj and Umrah nourish the spiritual aspect of a person, making them feel that worldly life is insignificant compared to the hereafter. They remind individuals of their accountability before God and the need to be mindful of His gaze. Additionally, both rituals purify souls, allowing Muslims to enjoy closeness to God, experiencing comfort, tranquility, and happiness as a result of their proximity to Him. This reflects positively on their spiritual well-being, enhancing their personal balance, stability, and happiness.
The virtues and rewards mentioned in Islamic teachings
Both Hajj and Umrah hold great spiritual significance as they remind individuals of standing before Allah for accountability and emphasize that worldly concerns are not worth sadness and anxiety. They underscore the importance of the hereafter. As a result, one’s soul becomes purified, and they experience tranquility and peace.
Book Your Spiritual Journey with Marwa Travel and Tours
There are common and different aspects between Hajj They share some rituals, while Hajj has some unique rituals that are not found in Umrah.. Additionally, Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for every capable Muslim, whereas Umrah is recommended but not obligatory. Marwa Travel & Tours offers travel services for Hajj and Umrah to suit everyone’s needs. We provide a comfortable and peaceful journey to hotels near the Masjid al-Haram. Our guides are available to assist you throughout the rituals of Hajj, ensuring your personal safety and answering any questions you may have Book your trip now and enjoy performing Hajj and Umrah, as we will cater to all your needs during the rituals and while entering and leaving the hotel. We will be with you every step of the way so you can focus solely on enjoying the pilgrimage or Umrah experience.
Real Reviews by Real Customers
Thinking why we are always the first choice of USA pilgrims to Book Ramadan Umrah Packages 2024? Take a look below:
The Budget Traveller2023-10-29May Allah azawajal bless brother Wael. I am very moved with his willingness to explain the Umrah steps to me and give me beneficial advice. Even though it was seeming that I might not be able to book service with him, Br Wael was patient and willing to give time to educate me rather than rush me off the phone. It is very rare to experience this level of genuineness.Fairouz Elsaeidi2023-10-13Very great experience, everything was organized smoothly throughout the whole umrah trip. Thank you so much For everything, looking forward to traveling with you in the near future Inshaallah, to do Haj Inshaallah with my family 😊S Haqqi2023-10-11My first trip with them, it went amazing, everything was planned out to the T, and every detail presented. They went above and beyond and also accommodated any & all requests we had by the next day. Full & open communication with the marwa travels guide & staff abroad in all the countries that we visited 24/7 before and throughout the whole trip. I 100% RECCOMEND THEM for all your tripsFatima Boulares2023-10-11Thank you for a great service and thank you for making us feel like family. I had a great time and would definitely go again with your agency :)Mohamed Elfaransawi2023-10-11It is one of these events that you may not be able to do more than one time in your life I am 84 years old and I new that it would be difficult for me and my wife. we were extremely lucky to go to the Umra in a group through Marwa Travel and Tours. It was beyond our expectations . The management style, the service provided by Dr. Wael , the owner. the man didn't sleep more than couple of hours a day, he succeeded on making every one in the group feels special.five stars hotels, best transportation was provided, he made me and my wife feel like he worked just for us, there is a local arm of Marwa group,his name is Sulaiman,he did compete with Dr Warl in serving serving everyone and satisfy their needs I asked him , when he goes to his home to spend time with his bride, he only smiled and said,if there is any thing I want ,please just ask , day or night i am always ready to serve Dr. Wael, bless you and your family that made this trip unforgettable Thank you again and hope I would be able to repeat this trip with your company, Marwa Travel and Tours.Musa Keyro2023-05-14An amazing Umrah trip arranged by Dr weal. Marwa travel has been great very detailed from start to the end . My wife and I will use Marwa travel for our next trip .Kader Tahraoui2023-03-28We had a great Umrah experience, our group was amazing, felt like a family, everyone was so helpful. Brother Wael was always receptive to answer questions, Asif, Sulaiman, and brother Owais were great asset in helping us perform Umrah, and arranging sites visit. I want to than everyone for making our umrah visit memorable. Will definetly recomnend, and travel with Marwa Travel in the future. Thanks againSohana Nahid2023-03-27Salaam & Ramadan Kareem. We (family of 4 with 2 teenagers) just returned from Spring Break 2023 Umrah trip ( from Houston). We had an amazingly beautiful experience during the whole trip- starting from getting all info, docs, Umrah orientation, then the trip & performing Umrah, and returning home, Alhamdulillah. We appreciated all arrangements reg Hotels, transportation, relevant prompt information in whatsapp group chat, orientation in Madina before leaving for Umrah in Mecca, the performance of Umrah- everything was great! Both hotels in Madina & Mecca were great- just step away from the masjids, Kaaba! The breakfast buffet was out of the world ! 😍😋Thankful to brother Wael Mori ( Marwa Travels) to coordinate efficiently all required travel & Umrah arrangements & his prompt response to our queries. We would highly recommend Marwa Travels to our family & friends and we will consider them for future trips! Thanks. Stay safe, well & rmr us in your prayers. Sohana Chowdhury. Sugar Land, TXRyann Elguessab2023-03-22I enjoyed the detailed explanation during the mazarat. My family and I had an amazing umrah experience. Jazak' Allah khair
