6 Major Differences Between Hajj and Umrah

Hajj and Umrah are religious pilgrimages that Muslims from all over the globe undertake once or several times during their lives. For these holy journeys, they go to Makkah and Madinah. Even though both are sacred and have similar benefits, there are differences between Hajj and Umrah.

In addition, people think that performing Hajj and Umrah absolves them of their previous sins. Both pilgrimages have a set of rituals that worshippers must fulfill before starting on their spiritual journeys. 

It is said in the Holy Quran: 

“You shall observe the complete rites of Hajj & Umrah for God.” [ 2:196] 

What is Hajj?

Hajj is an annual Muslim pilgrimage that is one of Islam’s five pillars. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) established the ceremonies observed throughout this pilgrimage. However, these traditions may be traced all the way back to the Prophet Ibrahim, who was asked to abandon his wife and son in the desert of Makkah.

Moreover, if you follow these rituals according to Islamic teachings, it signifies your obedience to God and earns you a reward. Thus, you can perform Hajj this year by availing yourself of the cheapest Hajj packages offered by Qibla Travels Ltd.

What is Umrah? 

The Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca’s holy city, Umrah, can be conducted at any time of year. Muslims refer to it as the “minor pilgrimage.” Furthermore, it purifies a pilgrim and liberates him or her from the wrongs and sins of the past.

By choosing the Umrah packages from Qibla Travels Ltd., you can perform Umrah and worship Allah. Moreover, Umrah is strongly recommended in the Islamic religion since it is an act of worship and acknowledgment to Allah, the Most Merciful. 

What is the Difference Between Hajj and Umrah?

Though there are many similarities between the two holy acts of worship, there are still key features that differentiate the two. Let’s look at those characteristics that distinguish them from each other.

1. Reward 
2. Timings 
3. Rituals 
4. Types 
5. Significance 
6. Sovereignty 

1. Reward: 

Umrah is considered a small pilgrimage, but Hajj is considered a significant pilgrimage. As a result, the reward for Hajj is higher than the award for Umrah. However, because Umrah is economical, many Muslims opt to conduct it instead of Hajj, which is also inexpensive as compared to Umrah.

Moreover, though the reward for Hajj is bigger, doing Umrah with pure intention gives you a lot of inner satisfaction and ample rewards. Umrah during the holy month of Ramazan is equivalent to Hajj. Thus, select our Ramadan Umrah package deals and travel to Saudi Arabia to get this reward.

2. Timings:

Another distinction between Hajj and Umrah is the time when these pilgrimages should be performed. Muslims perform Hajj during the lunar month of Dhu al Hijjah. The Hajj rituals are scheduled to take place between the 8th and 12th days of this month.

However, Umrah, on the other hand, can be performed at any time of the year. There is no time restriction for performing Umrah. However, people love going during their spring holidays, Easter holidays, and December holidays. Fulfill your desire to perform umrah during the holidays with our Easter Umrah packages and December Umrah packages.

Rituals: 

The required rituals for Umrah include entering the state of Ihram after saying the intention of Umrah, doing Tawaf, performing Sayi between the hills of Safa and Marwa, and finally, shaving the head or cutting a part of the hair.

However, when doing Hajj, one must first wear Ihram from Meeqat, then stand on Arafah till sunset, spend the night at Muzdalifah, stay the night in Mina during Tashreeq, stone the Jamarat, shave the hair, and finally complete farewell circumambulation. Furthermore, only after doing all of these obligatory rites are both the pilgrimages considered completed.

4. Types: 

Umrah is divided into two types: Umrah tul Tamattu and Umrah tul Mufradah. Umrah tul Tamattu is performed alongside hajj, whereas Umrah tul Mufradah is performed separately. 

Qiran, Ifraad, and Tamattu are the three forms of Hajj. Qiran is completing both Hajj and Umrah in the same Ihram. Whereas Ifraad is associated with Hajj, and Tamattu is a type of Hajj in which Umrah and Hajj are performed independently during the month of Zil Hajj. 

5. Significance: 

Both Umrah and Hajj are a means of asking for forgiveness. Both deliver extra rewards to pilgrims in Islam. However, the religious significance of both of these travels varies.

Hajj is an obligatory trip that every Muslim must make at least once in his or her lifetime if he or she is physically and financially capable of doing so, although Umrah is not. Unlike Hajj, Umrah is highly encouraged but not compulsory. So, this distinguishes Umrah and Hajj from one another. 

6. Sovereignty: 

The most significant distinction between Umrah and Hajj is that Hajj is a pillar of Islam. Allah created Hajj as one of the Islamic pillars, and a believer’s faith is incomplete without it. Allah says in the Holy Quran: 

“And pilgrimage to the house is a duty unto Allah for mankind, for him who can find a way thither”. (Al-Quran). 

Whereas, Umrah is Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah, and what could be greater than following the Sunnah? Despite the differences between Hajj and Umrah, both still have several similarities. They unify Muslims, purify the mind and spirit, and enhance trust in Allah. 

Conclusion:

Despite the differences between Hajj & Umrah, millions of pilgrims visit Saudi Arabia each year to complete their religious journey. The key parts of Islam are Hajj and Umrah. People from all over the world gather in Makkah and Madinah to perform the two pilgrimages.

Moreover, Qibla Travels Ltd. offers the best Hajj and Umrah packages at affordable rates. If you want to perform Umrah or Hajj, visit their website to get more information about Umrah packages. Choose them for your holy journey as their customers are never disappointed by their services.