The Differences Between Hajj and Umrah

Hajj and Umrah are both Islamic pilgrimages to the Kaaba in Mecca. While the Hajj is compulsory for all Muslims who can afford it, Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage. Both forms of pilgrimage promise great spiritual rewards in the afterlife. 

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “(The performance of) Umra 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.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1773)

There is another Hadith that tells the benefits of performing Umrah and Hajj consecutively:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Perform Hajj and ‘Umrah consecutively; for they remove poverty and sin as the bellows removes impurity from iron.”’ (Sunan an-Nasa’i, 2630)

In this article, we will examine the basic difference between Hajj and Umrah in terms of their status, duration, obligations, and ritual requirements. We will also mention the Hajj 2025 dates in this article.

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What is the basic difference between Hajj and Umrah?

The following are some of the basic difference between Hajj and Umrah:

• Hajj is an obligation for those who can afford it, while Umrah is a voluntary form of pilgrimage. Those who can afford to perform Hajj should plan for Hajj 2025.
• Hajj can only be performed during the 8th and the 12th day of Dhul Hijjah, while Umrah can be performed any time of the year, except during the time of Hajj.
• Umrah can be performed during 4-6 hours, while Hajj requires five days.
• The rituals involved during Hajj are much more extensive. For example, people performing Hajj have to assemble in Arafat, spend a night in Mina and Muzdalifah,  throw pebbles at Jamarat, and sacrifice an animal. Those rituals are not needed during Umrah.

The Significance of Hajj

Hajj is the fifth and final pillar of Islam. The pilgrimage to Mecca is obligatory for Muslims who can afford it and is to be undertaken at least once in a person’s lifetime. The Hajj is conducted during the month of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. 

The following verse of the Quran declares Hajj mandatory:

“In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.” (Surat ‘Āli `Imrān, 3:97)

According to the Hadith, Hajj is a great source of redemption and promises Allah’s (SWT) forgiveness.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever performs Hajj for Allah’s pleasure and does not have sexual relations with his wife, and does not do evil or sins then he will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as if he were born anew.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1521)

According to another Hadith, believers should hasten to perform Hajj, as life and its matters are fickle and a believer must not lose this great opportunity for redemption. There is still time to plan for Hajj 2025. Muslims who can afford it should prioritize performing Hajj, as mentioned in the following Hadith.

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever intends to perform Hajj, let him hasten to do so, for he may fall sick, lose his mount, or be faced with some need.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 2883)

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The Significance of Umrah:

While Hajj is mandatory for believers who can afford it, Umrah is a voluntary form of pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year, except during the Hajj season.

Performing Umrah is a sunnah, and the Prophet (ﷺ) performed four Umrahs in his life, according to the following Hadith:

Narrated Qatada: I asked Anas (about the Prophet’s Umra) and he replied, "The Prophet (ﷺ) performedUmra when the pagans made him return, and Umra of al-Hudaibiya (the next year), and another Umra in Dhi-l-Qa'da, and anotherUmra in combination with his Hajj.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1779)

Performing Umrah during Ramadan can earn spiritual benefits equal to performing Hajj, according to the following Hadith:

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) asked an Ansari woman (Ibn Abbas named her butAta’ forgot her name), ‘What prevented you from performing Hajj with us?’ She replied, ‘We have a camel and the father of so-and-so and his son (i.e. her husband and her son) rode it and left one camel for us to use for irrigation.’ He said (to her), ‘Perform Umra when Ramadan comes, forUmra in Ramadan is equal to Hajj (in reward),’ or said something similar.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1782)

Therefore, performing Umrah is highly encouraged and holds great significance in Islam.

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Conclusion

While Hajj is obligatory for all Muslims who can afford it, Umrah is a voluntary form of pilgrimage. Both forms of pilgrimage demonstrate a believer’s commitment to strengthening their faith and seeking Allah’s (SWT) mercy. In this article, we have discussed the difference between Hajj and Umrah.  While both are great forms of worship and pilgrimage, they differ in their duration, scope, timing, and importance. Performing Hajj should be a priority for Muslims who can afford it.

Hajj 2025 is expected to begin on June 4th and last until June 9th. The Prophet instructed believers not to delay this important duty. Therefore, Muslims who can afford to perform the Hajj should start planning for it.

Read More:
The Significance of Hajj in Islam
The Significance of Umrah in Ramadan