What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah Rituals?
Visiting Makkah is one of the biggest dream of like for Muslims all over the world. Hajj and Umrah are the two main journeys that gather Muslims to the holy city. Their guidelines, timing and objectives may appear to be same at first but they are not. Every Muslims should be familiar with the difference between Hajj and Umrah so that they can properly prepare with the right intention. Hajj is an obligatory pilgrimage. It is one of the five pillars of Islam.
It must be done at least once in the lifetime of any Muslim who is eligible. On the other hand, Umrah is not mandatory but it is strongly suggested. Although, Umrah is called the minor pilgrimage but Umrah offers big rewards and spiritual growth to those who complete it with sincerity. Islamic Travel Agency offers best all-inclusive Umrah packages to British Muslims at cheapest price. They also offer Ramadan 2026 Umrah packages in advance in order to fully prepare for your spiritual journey.
What Is Hajj?
The meaning of word Hajj is to set out for a journey. In Islam, Hajj meaning that denotes to a travel to Makkah that must be completed during the last month of Islamic calendar that is Dhul Hijjah. Hajj is included in the five pillars of Islam. Every Muslim who is physically and financially capable has a responsibility to do so. Muslims devotes many days in worship during Hajj. They participate in many rites that depend on the life of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) and his family which include standing at Arafat, doing Tawaf around the Kaaba, walking between Safa and Marwah and wearing simple white clothes.
What Is Umrah?
Umrah is known as minor pilgrimage. It can have performed at any time year. While it is not obligatory but highly beneficial and a Sunnah of Prophet (Peace be upon him). The Umrah steps are easy but powerful which including:
- Wear Ihram at your specific Meeqat point.
- Tawaf, orbiting around the Kaaba.
- Sai, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
- Complete it with cutting or shaving of hair.
Some important points about Hajj and Umrah
| Major Rituals | Hajj | Umrah |
| Timings | During Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah(8th-12th) | At any time of the year.
No time limitation |
| Obligations | · Obligatory pilgrimage
· Once in a lifetime · Who is physically and financially able
|
· Minor(optional) pilgrimage
· At least once in a lifetime |
| Duration | 5 to 6 days | Within few hours |
| Spiritual Influence
|
· Remove all past mistakes.
· Pilgrims come back as pure as the day of their birth. |
· Offer limitless blessings.
· Removes sins from one Umrah to other. |
Common Rituals of Hajj and Umrah
1st Ritual Ihram:
For Hajj:
- Beginning with wearing Ihram.
- Two white unstitched cloths for men.
For women, modest clothing like Abaya.
For Umrah:
- First ritual is also wearing Ihram.
- For men, two white unstitched cloths.
Modest clothing for women.
2nd Ritual Tawaf:
For Hajj:
- Orbiting around the Kaaba seven times in counter clock wise direction.
For Umrah:
- Also during Umrah, orbiting around the Kaaba seven times in counter clock wise direction.
3rd Ritual Sai:
For Hajj:
- Walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
Shows Hajr (A.S) effort and patience in search
For Umrah:
- Walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
4th Ritual Halq/Taqsir:
For Hajj:
- Shave or cut hairs.
- Women usually cut a small piece of their hair.
- Men trim or shave it.
For Umrah:
- Last step in Umrah.
- Women usually cut a small piece of their hair.
- Men trim or shave it.
Major differences between Hajj and Umrah rituals
Standing at Arafat during Hajj:
- Major difference.
- Also called Wuquf.
On 9th Dhul Hijjah, Muslims gather in the ground of Arafat. This Ritual is not included in Umrah.
Mina during Hajj:
- Pilgrims spend a day in Mina.
- For praying and reflecting.
Not a part of Umrah.
Ramy al-Jamarat during Hajj:
- Throwing stones on three pillars called as Jamarat al-Aqabah, Jamarat al-Wusqa and Jamarat al-Sughra.
Symbolizes the rejection of evil. This Ritual is not included in Umrah.
Animal sacrifice during Hajj:
In remembrance of Prophet IBRAHIM (A.S), perform an animal sacrifice. This Ritual is not included in Umrah.
Which One Should a Muslim Do First?
Hajj takes preferences if a Muslim is capable of performing it because it is compulsory. Umrah and other voluntary acts cannot take its place. Umrah is an amazing chance to experience the holy city and be ready for bigger and obligatory pilgrimage later if one is not yet able to perform the Hajj. A lot of Muslims do Umrah multiple times before going for the Hajj. Their loyalty to Allah increases with each passing day and they feel more prepared for the bigger pilgrimage. Umrah can be done many times repeatedly and is open throughout the year which is one of the reason it is so valuable.
Spiritual Significance
Hajj is included I the pillars of Islam. It is 5th pillar. It is once in a lifetime journey. Umrah is minor pilgrimage, but it does not mean that is less valuable. Umrah also brings great rewards and blessings. If you are planning to perform Umrah in Ramadan, you can select Ramadan 2026 Umrah packages by Islamic travel agency. It multiplies spiritual benefits. Both pilgrimages give an opportunity to build strong connection with Allah, strengthen faith and seek forgiveness. But collective devotion and additional weight of obligation comes with the Hajj.
Conclusion
Knowing the differences between Hajj and Umrah helps Muslims to understand about the importance of both journeys in Islam. Hajj is important obligatory pilgrimage. By performing minor pilgrimage of Umrah, Muslims have a chance to purify themselves and make strong connection with Allah at any time of the year. The lessons learned from the both pilgrimage are the same which are modesty, fairness and loyalty. Hajj needs more preparation, time and expenses due to its specific dates and rituals. Umrah is simpler and easy. It can be plan in a short time. UK travellers can travel with Islamic Travel agency with their best Umrah packages for organized travel and convenience.
