Umrah vs. Hajj — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 17, 2024
Umrah is a minor Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be performed at any time of the year, while Hajj is a major pilgrimage with specific rituals that must be performed during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Difference Between Umrah and Hajj
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Umrah, often referred to as the "lesser pilgrimage," can be performed at any time of the year. It includes specific rituals like Tawaf (circumambulating the Kaaba) and Sa'i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah). Hajj, on the other hand, is the "greater pilgrimage" and has strict timing, taking place annually in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Umrah is considered Sunnah, meaning it is recommended but not obligatory for Muslims. It is seen as an act of worship that provides spiritual benefits. Conversely, Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it once in their lifetime.
The rituals of Umrah are fewer and less time-consuming, usually taking just a few hours to complete. These include Ihram (a state of purification), Tawaf, Sa'i, and Tahallul (shaving the head or cutting hair). Hajj, however, involves more complex and prolonged rituals over several days, including staying in Mina, standing at Arafat, and the symbolic stoning of the devil at Jamarat.
Umrah can be performed more flexibly, allowing Muslims to undertake it multiple times in their lives as circumstances permit. In contrast, Hajj's timing and elaborate procedures mean it requires more planning and resources, and its once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims emphasizes its significance.
While Umrah offers significant spiritual rewards and a chance for Muslims to visit the holy sites, Hajj holds a higher spiritual status due to its comprehensive rituals and its role as a demonstration of the unity and equality of the Muslim Ummah (community).
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Comparison Chart
Timing
Any time of the year
Specific days in Dhu al-Hijjah
Obligation
Recommended (Sunnah)
Mandatory (Pillar of Islam)
Duration
Few hours to a day
Several days
Rituals
Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, Tahallul
Includes all Umrah rituals plus additional rituals like Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Jamarat
Frequency
Can be performed multiple times
Required once in a lifetime
Compare with Definitions
Umrah
A minor pilgrimage to Mecca.
She performed Umrah during Ramadan.
Hajj
The major pilgrimage to Mecca.
They saved money for years to perform Hajj.
Umrah
Includes rituals like Tawaf and Sa'i.
He completed Tawaf as part of his Umrah.
Hajj
Mandatory for Muslims once in a lifetime.
Every Muslim who can afford it must perform Hajj.
Umrah
An act of worship performed by Muslims.
Many Muslims strive to perform Umrah at least once.
Hajj
One of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Hajj is a fundamental aspect of Islamic practice.
Umrah
Not mandatory but highly recommended.
Unlike Hajj, Umrah is not obligatory.
Hajj
Includes extensive rituals over several days.
Hajj involves staying in Mina and standing at Arafat.
Umrah
Can be performed at any time of the year.
Umrah can be undertaken during any season.
Hajj
Performed during the month of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Pilgrims gather in Mecca for Hajj every year in Dhu al-Hijjah.
Umrah
The ʿUmrah (Arabic: عُمْرَة, lit. '"to visit a populated place"') is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca (the holiest city for Muslims, located in the Hejazi region of Saudi Arabia) that can be undertaken at any time of the year, in contrast to the Ḥajj (; "pilgrimage"), which has specific dates according to the Islamic lunar calendar. In accordance to the Shariah (Law of Islam), for both pilgrimages, a Muslim must first assume Ihram, a state of purification achieved by completing cleansing rituals, wearing the prescribed attire, and abstaining from certain actions.
Hajj
The Hajj (; Arabic: حَجّ Ḥajj "pilgrimage"; sometimes also spelled Hadj, Hadji or Haj in English) is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims. Hajj is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey, and of supporting their family during their absence from home.In Islamic terminology, Hajj is a pilgrimage made to the Kaaba, the "House of God", in the sacred city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
Umrah
Alternative form of 'umra
Hajj
A pilgrimage to Mecca during Dhu'l Hijja, considered obligatory for all Muslims who are capable of undertaking it at least once in their lifetime.
Hajj
(Islam) The pilgrimage to Mecca made by pious Muslims; one of the five pillars of Islam.
Hajj
The fifth pillar of Islam is a pilgrimage to Mecca during the month of Dhu al-Qadah; at least once in a lifetime a Muslim is expected to make a religious journey to Mecca and the Kaaba;
For a Muslim the hajj is the ultimate act of worship
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between Umrah and Hajj?
Umrah can be performed any time of the year, while Hajj has specific dates in Dhu al-Hijjah.
Why is Hajj considered a Pillar of Islam?
Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it a mandatory act of worship for Muslims who can perform it.
Is there a specific month for performing Umrah?
No, Umrah can be performed any time of the year.
What is the significance of Hajj for Muslims?
Hajj signifies unity and equality among Muslims and is a demonstration of submission to Allah.
Is Umrah mandatory for Muslims?
No, Umrah is recommended but not obligatory.
Can Umrah be performed multiple times?
Yes, Muslims can perform Umrah as many times as they wish.
What are the main rituals of Umrah?
The main rituals of Umrah are Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, and Tahallul.
What additional rituals are included in Hajj?
Hajj includes additional rituals like staying in Mina, standing at Arafat, and the stoning of the Jamarat.
How long does it take to complete Umrah?
Umrah can be completed in a few hours to a day.
Can a Muslim skip Hajj if they can't afford it?
Yes, Hajj is only obligatory for those who are physically and financially able.
Does performing Umrah during Ramadan have special significance?
Yes, performing Umrah during Ramadan is considered highly rewarding.
What is the spiritual reward of performing Hajj?
Completing Hajj is believed to cleanse a person of all sins and is seen as a form of spiritual rebirth.
Can non-Muslims perform Umrah or Hajj?
No, only Muslims are allowed to perform Umrah and Hajj.
Do Umrah and Hajj share any common rituals?
Yes, both include Ihram, Tawaf, and Sa'i.
Is there any specific age limit for performing Hajj or Umrah?
No specific age limit, but individuals must be able to undertake the physical demands of the pilgrimage.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
