Imagine the holy winds of sacred lands touching your face and witnessing the House of Allah with your eyes. People visit Saudi Arabia for several purposes, but the primary reason remains to perform Umrah or Hajj.
Performing Umrah or Hajj helps an individual get closer to God, purify his soul, and grow spiritually. Both are considered a divine journey, with a few significant differences, purely performed for and rewarded by Allah.
Hajj: A Spiritual Journey of Devotion and Hardships
Hajj is a spiritual embarkation to showcase your devotion to God. The ritual is included in the five pillars of Islam and is only performed in the last month of the Islamic calendar, Zul Hajj.
Hajj is basically a step-by-step process that takes around five to six days to complete, with a specific set of rituals performed each day in particular locations.
Umrah: A Divine Journey of Rewards
Umrah is also a divine journey and an act of worship that holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide.
Like Hajj, Umrah is also a step-by-step meritorious act that can be performed in any month of the year. It consists of fewer pillars compared to Hajj and hardly takes four to six hours, depending on an individual’s pace.
A Comprehensive Guide to the Difference Between Hajj and Umrah
While heading to perform any of the Islamic rituals on the divine land of Makkah, you should know the primary Hajj vs. Umrah differences. From obligation and duration to fundamental pillars and cost, there are considerable distinctions between these two.
Here is an ultimate guide highlighting the contrast between these two religious acts.
Obligatory Act
Hajj is an obligation (a mandatory act) that is a must for every Muslim who possesses enough wealth to travel, perform the act, and come back to his native land.
In other words, if the minimum cost for performing Hajj meets your current bank balance, you are obliged to perform the pilgrimage. Additionally, the Hajj is the only obligation that must be performed by an authority-holder Muslim at least once in his lifetime.
On the other hand, Umrah is a rewarding act but is not obligatory. Even if you have enough money required to perform Umrah, you are not compelled to do so. However, once you put on the ihram (white cloth that is a uniform for Umrah and Hajj) and prepare yourself for the act, all the pillars included in both Hajj and Umrah become mandatory.
Hajj vs. Umrah Timing Differences
Hajj is a collection of prayers and worship to Allah and is only performed in the month of Zul Hajj. All the particular rituals of Hajj, including staying at Mina and Arafat, symbolic stoning of the devil by throwing pebbles on three pillars, sacrifice, and haircut, are performed on their respective dates.
On the contrary, Umrah requires no timeframe. You can go for an Umrah in any month of the year on any date. However, performing Umrah in the holy month of Ramadan holds significance and is a hefty reward.
Duration
If you are planning to perform the Hajj, be ready to spend at least a week on the land. The Pilgrimage usually takes five to six days to complete. Set your schedule accordingly, and if needed, ask for leave from your workplace to complete the pilgrimage. Travel agencies offer different packages for the Hajj, with a minimum stay duration of six to seven days.
In contrast, Umrah hardly takes two to four hours, depending on your pace and crowd at Khana e Kaaba. Many working professionals and business entrepreneurs perform Umrah from Dubai as a short weekend trip of three to four days. You can contact travel planners and get insights on Umrah booking with your preferred duration.
Difference of Rituals
Hajj involves a set of rituals performed in specific locations on particular dates. Before embarking on the obligatory spiritual journey, one must wear white clothing, which is known as ihram. It is followed by circumambulating the Kaaba, which is walking around the House of Allah seven times in a clockwise direction.
The later steps include Saai’ (walking seven times in between Safa and Marwa), shaving hair, staying at Arafat, Mina, and Muzdalifah, Rami e Jamaraat (stoning the devil), followed by Tawaf al Ifadha and Saai’.
However, Umrah is less complicated. Its rituals include Tawaaf, Saai, and prayers, followed by shaving the head or trimming hair or nails. The Umrah group itinerary includes a visit to Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah to highlight the importance of these areas and pray for the Hajj opportunity.
Packages and Cost Difference
As Hajj is a dynamic religious act performed once a year at the House of God, it requires a pretty big amount. Packages designed for Hajj are significantly more costly than Umrah packages.
However, the total charges of a Hajj or Umrah trip depend on the choice of accommodation, stay duration, and package type.
Additionally, Umrah package charges also change depending on the season and time of year. But, Hajj is an affluent act of worship, which is why it is only obligatory to financially able Muslims once in their entire life.
Umrah vs. Hajj Travel Tips
- It is better to perform Umrah before Hajj to get a clear picture and simplify Hajj challenges.
- Perform Tawaaf after midnight to avoid crowd hassle.
- Select the package that falls within your budget and duration preference.
- Keep your luggage light so it can be handled easily and filled with souvenirs.
- Check out famous eateries and visit popular shopping shots after successfully performing Umrah or Hajj.
Final Thoughts: Grab the Opportunities for Spiritual Growth
Hajj and Umrah are both rewarding acts in Islam. Hajj is a unique obligation with immense rewards for Muslims who can afford the expenses. It involves a series of detailed rituals that take place on specific dates in special locations.
While Hajj can be more complex and physically demanding, Umrah involves fewer rituals and can be performed at any time of the year, making it accessible to many more people.
If you are looking to perform Umrah or Hajj from Dubai, reach out to our experts at Three N Travel & Tourism LLC and plan your next spiritual journey with us.