Umrah and Hajj are the most famous and holiest prayers for Muslims, owing to their perks and benefits. That’s why you see a huge crowd in the holy land of Saudi Arabia for these prayers. This number even increases in the days of major pilgrimage, often tolling millions of people at one time. On top of that, there are on-peak seasons when they grab hot deals such as Umrah Ramadan packages to get blessed in the Grand Haram. Looking at this big mass of people in Haram, any novice may ask how Umrah is different from Hajj. This blog differentiates Umrah from Hajj and offers a comparative guide. Let’s have a look:
What are the Major Differences Between Hajj and Umrah?
The major difference between Hajj and Umrah lies in the duration of both prayers, the cost to perform, and the reward. The following is a detailed guide on the differences of both prayers:
1. Obligation
Hajj is an obligatory prayer while Umrah is a voluntary pilgrim. Hajj is one of the 5 pillars of Islam and anyone, who can perform it while being in the best of his health, should go for this pilgrimage. At one point, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) mentioned that “One who has provisions and means to reach of Allah, and yet doesn’t perform Hajj, there is no difference, whether he dies Christian or Jew.” On the other hand, there is no such restriction about Umrah. Anybody can go to perform this prayer at any time of the year, solely for reward purposes.
2. Timing
The prayer of Hajj has specific timings. It can only be performed in the month of Dhul-Hijjah from the 8th to the 12th of this month. These dates are fixed and one can’t change it. On top of that, a person can only go for Hajj once per year, as per above mentioned dates.
In contrast, the prayer of Umrah doesn’t fall on any fixed or specific period. A person can go to the Holy Land for a minor pilgrimage at any period of the year, except the days of Hajj. To add to that, they can perform as much Umrah as they can without any restrictions.
Although there is no constraint on Umrah prayer, there are some periods when performing Umrah is encouraged. For instance, one should choose the full month Ramadan Umrah for multiplied rewards and more blessings. In fact, performing a minor pilgrimage in this month is equal to the reward of one accepted Hajj.
3. Duration
Another major difference between both prayers lies in terms of duration. Just like Hajj has a specific period of time, it also has a fixed duration of days. You can only go for Hajj during the 5 days of Dhul-Hijjah, which falls between 8th and 12th. All the rituals of this prayer must be performed during this time. Some pilgrims choose to come early, stay, and do additional prayers to boost their rewards.
On the other hand, there are no fixed days or duration for anybody to perform Umrah. You can avail of full month Ramadan packages for the whole month or 5 days of Umrah deals for a short stay. On top of that, all the rituals of this minor pilgrimage can be performed in only 4 – 5 hours, depending on personal capability. But Hajj has extensive rituals that need to be done one by one on the 5 days.
4. Cost
While comparing both prayers, people may ask which is more expensive; Hajj and Umrah? Undoubtedly, Hajj is more costly, owing to its greater demand and high rewards. And if you go with added amenities, this price can go even higher. For instance, an All inclusive Umrah Packages costs around £1655 per person for a 4-person deal. On the other hand, a 5 star Hajj package can cost you around £12000 – £14000 per person for a 4-person deal.
5. Rituals
The rituals are other basic areas where you can differentiate both Hajj and Umrah. The core rites of Umrah include:
- Ihram
- Tawaf
- Sa’i
- Halq or Taqsir
On the other hand, the basic rituals of Hajj are mentioned below:
- Ihram
- Tawaf
- Sa’i
- Yaum al-Tarwiyah
- Yaum Arafah
- Muzdalifah
- Rami al-Jamarat
- Qurbani
- Halq or Taqsir
- Tawaf al-Ifadah
- Throwing stones at Jamarat
- Farewell Tawaf
This shows a difference between both prayers. Where Umrah has few core rituals, Hajj has extensive rites and each one of them must be performed with due diligence.
6. Rewards
The final difference between Hajj and Umrah is the reward of both prayers. Performing a Hajj without any obscenity or transgression is as pure as to a child who is just born. On top of that, Muhammad (SAW) highlighted that the reward of an accepted Hajj is nothing but paradise.
On the other hand, Umrah has its own benefits. The reward for two consecutive Umrahs is nothing but the expiation of sins between them. Similarly, Umrah can also become a source for you, an eradication of sins, and also being invited as Allah’s guest.
Why Is Umrah Often Described as a ‘Mini Hajj’?
Umrah or a minor pilgrimage is often described as a mini Hajj for a number of reasons. For starters, many of its rituals are similar to that of Hajj, such as Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, etc., but with a simplified procedure. Similarly, Umrah is also a way for Muslims to show their solidarity for Allah, just like Hajj. But this prayer is not Fard, unlike Hajj which must be done at least once in life by a Muslim. Regardless of the differences, the reward of one Umrah can be equal to Hajj if it is performed in the holy month of Ramadan.
Should You Go to Umrah or Hajj First?
You should go for Umrah first if you have limited resources, less time, or are looking for a quick pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. Since this time takes less time and has less number of rituals; therefore, it is easy to perform while consuming less time as well as resources.
On the other hand, you should go for Hajj first if you are financially and physically capable enough to perform its rituals. Moreover, this prayer is also an obligation. Hence, you should prioritise it over Umrah, if you are financially doing well.
Is Umrah a Replacement for Hajj?
No, Umrah is not a replacement for Hajj. undoubtedly, this prayer has immense rewards – you can’t go for it in the place of Hajj. Even though the reward of one Umrah prayer in Ramadan is equal to one accepted Hajj, it is obligatory for a person to go for the major pilgrimage, if he has the capacity.
Similarities Between Hajj and Umrah
The similarities between Hajj and Umrah are that they involve the resemblance of some rituals, such as Ihram, Tawaf, and Sa’i. Further, you have to travel to Saudi Arabia for both prayers. On top of that, they also allow you to visit holy sites in the holy land of Saudi Arabia, boosting your Imaan.
If you are looking to perform Umrah from the UK, the best place to contact is Muslims Holy Travel. Get personalised deals such as full month Ramadan packages and sail for this holy journey. Place an order and avail of bespoke deals at affordable rates.
