Hajj and Umrah are the main pilgrimages in Islam, and they hold significant spiritual values for Muslims all over the world. While Hajj and Umrah are both trips to the holy site of Makkah, they have specific meanings, rituals, and requirements. This blog aims to clarify the differences between Hajj and Umrah in simple, easy-to-recognize language.
What is Umrah?
Umrah is not as long as the Hajj, but it still holds huge spiritual value. It is a shorter journey that Muslims can do at any time of the year. While performing Umrah, you have to visit the Holy Kaaba and perform rituals that show love and acceptance. Millions of Muslims perform Umrah yearly for blessings and to draw themselves closer to Allah (SWT).
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “(The performance of) `Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed (between it and the previous one). And the reward of Hajj Mabrur (the one accepted by Allah) is nothing except Paradise.” {Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1773}
How is Umrah Performed?
Umrah has 4 essential rituals: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’ee, Halq, or Taqsir.
Ihram:
Ihram is a sacred state of mind and body that a Muslim enters before performing Umrah. It involves making the intention (Niyyah) to perform Umrah and wearing particular clothing. Pilgrims should enter this state before passing Miqat (boundary marker) points.
Tawaf:
Tawaf is walking in circles around the Kaaba in an anti-clockwise direction. Seven circles of the Holy Kaaba are equal to one Tawaf. It is performed as soon as you enter the Masjid al-Haram. Tawaf represents one’s devotion to Allah (SWT).
Sa’ee:
Originally, the word Sa’ee was to walk or brisk run. Performing Umrah refers to walking back or forth among the hills of Safa and Marwah. Sa’ee is performed in memory of Hajirah (RA) search for water for her baby, Prophet Ismail (AS).
Halq or Taqsir:
The last step of performing Umrah is shaving the head, which is called Halq, or trimming the hair, which is called Taqsir. For ladies, it involves cutting a small portion of hair.
Umrah is mostly finished in just a few hours, making it an additional pilgrimage for many Muslims.
What is Hajj?
Hajj is the pilgrimage to the holy site of Makkah in Saudi Arabia. It is mandatory for every Muslim who has the physical and financial strength to do so once in his/her lifetime. The Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The pilgrimage ritual begins on the 7th day of Dhul al-Hijjah (the last month of the Islamic calendar) and ends on the 12th day.
Narrated Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The people will continue performing the Hajj and Umrah to the Kaaba even after the appearance of Ya’juj and Ma’juj.” Narrated Shu’ba extra: The Hour (Day of Judgment) will not be established till the Hajj (to the Ka’ba) is abandoned. {Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1593}
Hajj includes rituals that can last up to five to six days. It starts by adding a few more rituals to Umrah, with Tawaf, Ihram, Halq, and Sa’ee, which consist of extra rituals that bring deep spiritual meaning.
1. Tawaf: As Tawaf is done in Umrah, pilgrims start the Hajj journey with Tawaf around the Kaaba.
2. Ihram: Ihram is performed in Umrah in the same way as Hajj. It involves making the intention (Niyyah) to perform Hajj and wearing special clothing.
3. Sa’ee: After completing Tawaf, Sa’ee is performed as it is done in Umrah.
4. Mina: Pilgrims then tour Mina, where they spend the night time in prayer.
5. Mount Arafat: This is the second day of the Hajj and is considered the holiest day of the year. Pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat to stand in prayer and seek forgiveness and mercy from Allah (SWT).
6. Muzdalifah: After the Arafat ritual, pilgrims head to Muzdalifah, gathering pebbles for the Rami al-Jamarat ritual.
7. Rami al-Jamarat: On the third day of the Hajj, pilgrims return to Mina to perform Rami al-Jamarat, which includes throwing stones at three pillars representing Satan. This action symbolizes the rejection of evil and temptation.
8. Eid al-Adha: The Hajj becomes complete after Eid al-Adha, as animals are sacrificed in memory of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. The meat of sacrificed animals is then distributed among needy people, which shows the importance of charity in Islam.
9. Tawaf al-Ifadah: Another Tawaf, performed by pilgrims after the day of Arafat, is called Tawaf al-Ifadah.
Completing the Hajj provides incomparable spiritual pleasure that cannot be explained in words.
Some other Differences between Hajj and Umrah
1. Obligation vs. Optional:
Hajj is a mandatory pilgrimage for all Muslims who have the physical and financial capability to do it once in their lifetime. In contrast, Umrah is a non-mandatory pilgrimage, and Muslims can do it at any time of the year.
2. Timing:
Hajj can only be done during specific days of Dhul Al-Hijjah (Last Month of the Islamic Calendar). Comparable to Hajj, Umrah can be done at any time of the year.
3. Duration:
Umrah can be completed in just a few hours. Compared to Hajj, which takes 5 to 6 days to complete, it requires more commitment of time and effort, but it’s worthwhile.
4. Ritual Complexity:
Hajj consists of more rituals and steps than Umrah. Its rituals are based on remembering important Islamic historical events and require more physical strength.
Hajj and Umrah are spiritual trips for Muslims to show their devotion to Allah (SWT). They provide specific possibilities like forgiveness and connection to one’s religion. While Umrah is a shorter, optional pilgrimage that you can perform at any time, Hajj is an obligatory pilgrimage that demands more effort and time, taking place on precise days of the Dhul Al-Hijjah.
