Difference Between Hajj and Umrah: Complete Guide

Do you want to know about the difference between Hajj and Umrah? So, let us tell both are the important and sacred pilgrimages of Islam. People are often worried about the difference and mix them together. Take a deep breath and relax!

What is Hajj?

The fifth pillar of Islam is the Hajj. It is your obligation as a muslim to perform hajj once. The conditions apply are:

The person should be financially stable, and
Physically fit/able to perform it.

So, it is a spiritual journey of 40 days. The major rites of Hajj are of 5-6 days. Then you have to stay in Madina for 8 days. After that, you are expected to stay back in Mecca. So,spend your time in Ibadat and prayers.

How to Perform Hajj?

There are various obligations (steps) to perform in Hajj:

Intention (Niyyah) and Ihram:

Muslims start with the intention to perform Hajj.
Then, they wear the Ihram, the specific dress for Hajj.Women wear modest attire, and men wear two white sheets.
After that Muslims recite the Talbiyah: “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik…”

Arrival in Mecca:

On entering Mecca city, you have to go to Masjid al-Haram with your right. Also keep reciting the supplications.
Then muslims perform Tawaf. It means to circumambulate the Kaaba shareef seven times in counterclockwise direction.
You have to pray two Rak’ahs near Maqam Ibrahim.

Sa’i:

You must walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times in the next level. Commence at Safah and terminate at Marwah.

Travel to Mina:

Go Mina on Dhul-Hijjah 8th. Perform all the five daily prayers there.

Day of Arafat:

Go to Maqam-e Arafat on Dhul-Hijjah 9th. Spend your day there in the prayers and supplications.
Listen to the Khutbah (sermon) theer and perform the Dhuhr and Asr prayers.

Muzdalifah:

After sunset, travel to Muzdalifah. Here you have to collect the pebbles for the stoning ritual.
Then perform your Maghrib and Isha prayers combined and shortened there.

Ritual Stoning (Ramy al-Jamarat):

On the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, throw the seven pebbles at the largest pillar (Jamrat al-Aqabah).

Animal Sacrifice (Qurbani):

Another obligation is to offer an animal sacrifice. The meat should then be given to the less fortunate.

Shaving/Haircut (Tahalul):

In this men shave their heads while women have to cut a small portion of hair.

Tawaf al-Ifadah:

Now you have to go back to Mecca for another Tawaf.
Perform Sa’i again between Safa and Marwah.

Return to Mina:

For the next two or three days return back to Mina and spend the two or three days there.
You have to perform the stoning at all three pillars each day.

Final Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada):

At last, perform your last, farewell Tawaf before leaving Mecca.

What is Umrah?

Umrah is a way to visit Khana Kaba. So, you can come closer to Allah (SWT) by performing Ibadat there. Umrah is possible to do at any time of year.

How to Perform Umrah?

The obligations of Umrah are:

Intention (Niyyah) and Ihram:
- You have to start with the intention to perform Umrah.
- Then wear Ihram, the specific dress for Hajj. So, it consists of two white sheets for men and modest clothing for women.
- Recite Talbiyah: “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik…”
Arrival in Mecca:
- On reaching Mecca, enter Masjid al-Haram with your right foot and recite supplications.
- Next, perform Tawaf. It means to circumambulate the Khana Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction.
- Then pray two Rak’ahs near Maqam Ibrahim.
Sa’i:
- Go to Safa Marwah and walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. Start with Safa and end at Marwah.
Haircut/Shaving (Tahalul):
- In the end of Umrah men have to shave their heads. While women need to cut a small portion of hair.
- Now, you can exit the state of Ihram.