Difference Between Umrah and Hajj: Key Insights

Millions of Muslims from around the world participate in Hajj and Umrah each year — but what are the key differences between the two?

Both are deeply meaningful acts of worship in Islam, which at its core, involves making a visit to the House of Allah, the Kaaba.

They share many of the same rituals but differ in terms of duration, significance, and obligation. 

Here, we look at some of the key differences between Hajj and Umrah. 

Hajj vs. Umrah - definition and meaning

Synonymous with the sacred journey of the pilgrimage, Hajj literally means “to intend a journey” in Arabic. "Umrah" means to visit or inhabit a place. 

Hajj is often called the greater pilgrimage, whereas Umrah is known as the "lesser pilgrimage" or "minor pilgrimage.” 

Timing and season

A key difference between Hajj and Umrah is when they occur.

Hajj takes place during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah — the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Specifically, it falls on the 8th to the 12th of the month.

Umrah is more flexible. You can perform Umrah at any time of the year except during the Hajj period.

Differences in rituals and duration between Umrah and Hajj

Hajj rituals require more effort and stretch across several days, while you can complete Umrah in a few hours, making it less intense.

For both Hajj and Umrah pilgrims:

• enter in the state of Ihram
• recite the Talbiyah (“Here I am at your service, o Allah, at Your service! At Your service! You have no partner! I am at Your service! Indeed, all praise and grace belong to You, and so does the supreme authority. You have no partner”)
• perform tawaf (circle) around the Kaaba seven times
• walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times
• cut or shave the hair to exit Ihram

With Hajj, pilgrims also:

• pray and make dua in Arafat
• stay overnight at Muzdalifah and collect the pebbles for Mina
• stay in Mina for two/three nights and throw pebbles at the Jamarat
• sacrifice an animal  
• perform the farewell tawaf before leaving Makkah

Ihram

Both men and women enter a state of Ihram — a sacred state that dictates what they wear and how they behave before performing Umrah or Hajj.

For men, the dress code involves wearing two sheets of cloth, one wrapped around the waist and the other over the torso and left shoulder, leaving the right shoulder exposed. 

Women wear regular modest clothing, ensuring everything is covered except the face and hands. 

When you enter the state of Ihram, certain acts are forbidden. For example, applying perfume, trimming nails, arguing and swearing.

Obligation and importance

Hajj is mandatory for Muslims. Physically fit and financially able people must perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime. As one of the five pillars of Islam, it's one of the most important acts of worship in the faith. That means that neglecting the pilgrimage without a valid reason is a sin.

Aside from its religious significance, Hajj also holds historical importance. The rituals of Hajj recreate the story of Ibrahim and his family. For example:

• walking between Safa and Marwa depicts Hajar's desperate search for water for her infant son.
• the stoning of the Jamarat re-enacts Ibrahim's rejection of Shaitaan's attempt to stop him from following Allah's command to sacrifice his son Ismail.
• the sacrifice of the animal represents Allah's mercy in providing a substitute for Ismail.

Hajj also highlights the importance of the Ummah and Muslim unity. The yearly pilgrimage is one of the largest mass gatherings in the world. It's where nearly 2 million Muslims wear and do the same things — reinforcing the view that all Muslims are the same, regardless of race, wealth, or status.

Although it is not considered a fard (obligation) by all Muslims, Umrah is still considered a highly recommended Sunnah.

According to Hadith, an Umrah in the month of Ramadan is equal (in reward) to performing a Hajj.

Like Hajj, Umrah is about self-reflection, patience, and discipline. It's a time to seek forgiveness from Allah, strengthen faith and purify oneself. 

Cost and accessibility

Hajj is a major financial commitment as the demand drives up the prices for flights and accommodation. Costs vary based on duration and the quality of travel and accommodation — from a few thousand to tens of thousands of pounds.

With Umrah, costs can vary wildly — from around £500 to a few thousand pounds depending on the time of year you travel. Umrah is more accessible and affordable, especially if you avoid the peak seasons like Ramadan. 

Performing Umrah at quieter times also allows pilgrims to access or go near sites that are traditionally very crowded, for example the Kaaba or the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone.) 

Pilgrims no longer need to book an Umrah package or travel with a group and now have the flexibility to customise their own trip. This added autonomy is proving popular with pilgrims, especially for those who opt for an Umrah Plus trip — combining Umrah with a visit to other holiday destinations. Our unique Umrah filters and features help pilgrims to choose accommodation which is suitable for their needs, for example to find rooms with Haram-view or Kaaba-view, within walking distance of the Haram, or with a free shuttle service.

Travel regulations

It is now very easy to apply for an Umrah visa online. Some nationalities can even get one on arrival. To enter Saudi Arabia, your passport must be valid for at least six months before the ‘expiry date.’

You need specific visas to perform both Hajj and Umrah. The Hajj visa is highly regulated and subject to quotas due to high demand. It is only valid for a specific period and is non-extendable.

Umrah-only pilgrims typically leave before the Hajj season begins. 

Spiritual rewards for Umrah vs. Hajj

Both Hajj and Umrah bring great spiritual rewards, such as renewal, forgiveness, an increase in Imaan and a deeper closeness to Allah. 

Many people perform Hajj and Umrah multiple times, including on behalf of relatives so that they too can receive the blessings of a pilgrimage. 

The reward of an accepted hajj (Hajj Mabroor) is heaven (Jannah). It's often said that when someone returns from Hajj, it's as if they were just born and free of sin. 

According to Hadith, an Umrah in the month of Ramadan is equal (in reward) to performing a Hajj.

Performing Umrah is one of the best and greatest deeds in the sight of Allah. According to Hadith, the Prophet (SAW) said:

“The performance of one Umrah is an expiation for what was committed between Hajj and the previous. And it is allowed to repeat more than once per year."