As Muslims, we are blessed to have the opportunity to perform two types of pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca: Hajj and Umrah. But what is the difference between Hajj and Umrah? In this blog post, we will explore the main differences between Hajj and Umrah in terms of their significance, timing, duration, rituals, and rewards.
Significance
The first and most obvious difference between Hajj and Umrah is their level of importance in Islam. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, which means it is an obligatory duty for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to perform it at least once in their lifetime.
Umrah, on the other hand, is not a pillar of Islam, but rather a voluntary act of worship that is highly recommended and rewarded. Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which has a fixed time. Umrah is a way of expressing our love and devotion to Allah (SWT) and seeking His forgiveness and mercy.
Timing
Another major difference between Hajj and Umrah is their timing. Hajj can only be performed during the month of Dhul Hijjah, which is the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The actual days of Hajj are from the 8th to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah, with the most important day being the 9th, which is the Day of Arafah. Hajj is also linked to the celebration of Eid al-Adha, which is on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, and marks the end of the pilgrimage.
Umrah, however, can be performed at any time of the year, except for the days of Hajj, when it is not allowed. Umrah has no fixed date or duration, and can be done as many times as one wishes.
Duration
The duration of Hajj and Umrah also differs significantly. Hajj takes about five to six days to complete, depending on the type of Hajj one chooses to perform.
Umrah, on the other hand, takes only a few hours to complete. Umrah consists of four main rituals: ihram, tawaf, sa’i, and tahallul. Ihram is when one enters the state of purity and wears the prescribed white garments. Tawaf is when one circumambulates the Ka’aba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction. Sa’i is when one walks or runs between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times, following the footsteps of Hajar (AS), the wife of Ibrahim (AS). Tahallul is when one exits the state of ihram by shaving or trimming the hair.
Rituals
The rituals of Hajj and Umrah are also different in number and complexity. Hajj involves more rituals than Umrah, and some of them are unique to Hajj. Besides the four rituals of Umrah, Hajj also includes the following:
Spending the night of the 8th of Dhul Hijjah in Mina, a valley near Mecca, where one prays and prepares for the next day.
Spending the day of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah in Arafah, a plain outside Mecca, where one stands from noon to sunset, supplicating and repenting to Allah (SWT). This is the most important and essential ritual of Hajj, without which Hajj is invalid.
Spending the night of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah in Muzdalifah, an area between Arafah and Mina, where one prays and collects pebbles for the next day.
Stoning the Jamarat, three pillars that represent the devil, on the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul Hijjah, in Mina. This is a symbolic act of rejecting the temptations and whispers of the devil, following the example of Ibrahim (AS), who was tested by the devil when he was commanded to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS).
Offering a sacrifice (Qurbani) of an animal, such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, in Mina. This is a way of expressing gratitude and obedience to Allah (SWT), and commemorating the sacrifice of Ibrahim (AS), who was willing to give up his son for the sake of Allah (SWT), but was replaced by a ram at the last moment.
Performing the farewell tawaf, which is the final ritual of Hajj, before leaving Mecca. This is a way of bidding farewell to the Ka’aba and asking Allah (SWT) to accept the Hajj.
Rewards
The rewards of Hajj and Umrah are both immense and incomparable. However, Hajj has a higher status and a greater reward than Umrah, as it is a pillar of Islam and a more challenging and demanding act of worship. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “The performance of Umrah is expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous Umrah; and the reward of Hajj Mabrur (a Hajj accepted by Allah) is nothing but Paradise.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Hajj Mabrur is a Hajj that is performed sincerely for the sake of Allah (SWT), without any show-off, sin, or violation of the rules of Hajj. The reward of Hajj Mabrur is nothing less than Paradise, as the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah and does not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commits sin, nor disputes unjustly (during Hajj), then he returns from Hajj as pure and free from sins as on the day on which his mother gave birth to him.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Umrah also has a great reward, as it is a way of seeking forgiveness and mercy from Allah (SWT). The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “An Umrah to another Umrah will be redemption of sins for whatever (minor) occurs between them.” (Bukhari and Muslim) Umrah also increases one’s faith, piety, and love for Allah (SWT) and His Messenger (SAW).
Conclusion
Hajj and Umrah are both beautiful and blessed journeys that every Muslim should strive to perform in their lifetime. They are both ways of worshipping Allah (SWT) and following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his predecessors. They are both means of attaining forgiveness, purification, and reward from Allah (SWT). However, they are also different in many aspects, such as their significance, timing, duration, rituals, and rewards. We hope that this blog post has helped you understand the main differences between Hajj and Umrah, and inspired you to plan your next pilgrimage soon. May Allah (SWT) accept our Hajj and Umrah, and grant us the best in this world and the Hereafter. Ameen.