To obtain Allah's blessings, Muslims make spiritual pilgrimages called Hajj and Umrah. By doing this, pilgrims can replenish themselves and gain spiritual merits. People firmly believe that performing the pilgrimage forgives their past sins. In this article, I will discuss "How Umrah is different from Hajj?" This complete explanation will provide you with accurate details about both holy trips.
You can book a Hajj Package for both journeys, but you can't take this advantage in booking Umrah Packages for Hajj; it's just for Umrah.
One of Islam's five pillars is the annual Hajj. But Umrah can be undertaken throughout the year. During both pilgrimages, worshippers carry out specific rituals. However, the distinction between the two pilgrimages is in how the rituals are observed and their significance. Let's look at some points that make Umrah different from Hajj.
Significant Differences between Hajj and Umrah
Both are significant Islamic rituals performed at the Holy Kaaba. Numerous distinctions can be made between these pilgrimages, but the following are the most significant ones:
The difference in Rituals
Both religious obligations have slightly different but nearly identical rituals and rites. Umrah includes assuming the Ihram state, Tawaf, Sa'ee, and Halq/Taqsir. Hajj also includes all the Umrah rituals. But the additional practices that distinguish the Hajj are visiting Arafat, Mina, Muzdalifah, and sacrificing an animal.
- Performing time
- Importance
- Degree of Rewards and Blessings
- Difference in types
- Hajj and Umrah Pillars
Performance Time
Another variance between both pilgrimages is the timing of each one. Muslims travel to Mecca for the Hajj during the lunar calendar's final month, Dhul Hijjah. In contrast, the Umrah may be performed at any time in any other month of the Islamic calendar. You can alter your pilgrimage performance, but you can't change the Hajj's duration.
Importance
Hajj and Umrah are intended to grant pilgrims extra merit and forgiveness. But depending on the faith, both have a unique significance. In contrast to the necessary Hajj, Umrah is typically advised but optional. As a result, both are separate from one another.
Degree of Rewards and Blessings
Although both are very important and offer many benefits and blessings, Hajj is more significant and elevated than Umrah. One of the best forms of worship is Umrah, primarily carried out solely to take gifts from God. On the other hand, the Hajj is a religious obligation that purifies your body, soul, and mind, making the person clean from sins. Performing Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan after booking the Umrah package is preferable.
Difference in Types
Hajj and Umrah have various types, another distinction between the revered rituals. There are two types of minor pilgrimage: Umrah Al-Mufradah and Umrah Al-Tamattu. Umrah Al-Mufradah is performed separately, and the other type is performed in conjunction with the Hajj. However, Hajj has three types: Ifraad, Qiran, and Tamattu.
Hajj and Umrah Pillars
There is another distinction between Hajj and Umrah, which is pillars or rituals. The Hajj is built upon four pillars:
- Ihram
- Tawaf
- Sa'ee
- Mina
- Waquf
- Muzdalifah
- Rami
- Sacrifice
- Qasr
- Tawaf al-Ziyarah
- Tawaf al-Widaa
However, Umrah has four pillars. Some are similar to a Hajj:
- Ihram
- Tawaf
- Sa'ee
- Halq/Taqsir
Muslims also use different packages for both pilgrimages, such as Hajj Packages for Hajj and Umrah Packages for Umrah. But if someone intends to perform an annual pilgrimage along Umrah, he will perform both along his Hajj Package.
Both minor and major pilgrimages are essential to us. So, take advantage of every chance to do both or one in your life. May Allah help us to perform them, Ameen!
