What is Umrah? How It Differs from Hajj
Umrah is a significant and highly revered form of pilgrimage in Islam, often referred to as the “minor pilgrimage,” as compared to Hajj, which is the “major pilgrimage.” While both involve traveling to the sacred city of Mecca and performing specific rituals, Umrah differs in its obligations, time frame, and spiritual significance. In this detailed guide, we will explore what Umrah is, the rituals involved, and how it differs from Hajj. We will also delve into Quranic and Hadith references to understand the profound importance of this blessed act of worship.
What is Umrah?
Umrah, like Hajj, is a pilgrimage to the sacred city of Mecca. However, unlike Hajj, it is not obligatory for Muslims to perform Umrah once in their lifetime; it is considered a voluntary act of worship. Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, whereas Hajj has specific dates during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Although Umrah does not hold the same status as Hajj, it is still a highly recommended act of worship in Islam, and it brings great spiritual benefits. During Umrah, a Muslim seeks closeness to Allah (SWT) through acts of devotion, prayer, and purification.
Quranic Reference on the importance of pilgrimage:
“Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Bakkah [Mecca], blessed and a guidance for the worlds.”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:96)
Arabic:
إِنَّ أَوَّلَ بَيْتٍ وُضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ لَلَّذِي بِبَكَّةَ مُبَارَكًۭا وَهُدًۭى لِّلْعَٰلَمِينَ
Transliteration:
Inna awala baytin wudi‘a lin-nāsi la-ladhī bibakkata mubārakan wa-hudā lil-‘ālamīn.
This verse highlights the sacredness of Mecca and the Kaaba, both of which are central to the pilgrimage of both Hajj and Umrah. It emphasizes that both journeys are sources of guidance and blessing for Muslims.
Rituals of Umrah
The rituals of Umrah are fewer than those of Hajj but hold great significance and offer Muslims an opportunity for spiritual purification and devotion to Allah.
Ihram
Just like in Hajj, the first step in performing Umrah is entering a state of Ihram. Ihram is a state of spiritual purity in which the person refrains from specific activities, such as cutting hair, wearing perfume, and engaging in sexual relations. The pilgrim must also wear specific garments: for men, two white, unstitched cloths, and for women, a simple dress that covers the body appropriately.
Quranic Reference:
“O you who have believed, take your precaution and then go forth in groups or go forth all together.”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:71)
Arabic:
يَآ أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ خُذُوا۟ حِذْرَكُمْ ثُمَّ فَٱنفِرُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ فِرَٰتٍ أَوْ رُوَٰتٍۢ
Transliteration:
Yā ayyuhā alladhīna āmanū khudhū ḥīzrakum thumma infirū fī sabīlillāhi firāṭin aw rūwātin.
This verse highlights the importance of preparation and discipline, much like entering the state of Ihram before performing Umrah.
Tawaf
After entering the sacred mosque (Masjid al-Haram) in Mecca, the pilgrim performs the ritual of Tawaf. Tawaf involves circumambulating the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. This act of walking around the Kaaba symbolizes the worshiper’s devotion to Allah, submitting themselves to Him.
Hadith Reference:
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“When you come to the Kaaba, perform Tawaf around it, as this is one of the greatest acts of worship.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Arabic:
إِذَا جِئْتُمْ إِلَىٰ الْبَيْتِ فَطُوفُوا۟ بِهِۥ فَإِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ أَعْظَمِ ٱلْعِبَادَةِ
Transliteration:
Ithā ji’tum ilā al-bayti faṭūfū bihī fa-innā dhālika min a‘ẓami al-‘ibādah.
Tawaf is one of the key rituals that strengthens the bond between the believer and Allah.
Sa’i (Walking between Safa and Marwah)
After Tawaf, the pilgrim performs Sa’i, which involves walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This act commemorates the journey of Hajar, the wife of Ibrahim (AS), who ran between these hills in search of water for her son Ismail.
Quranic Reference:
“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the rites of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj or Umrah, there is no blame upon him for walking between them.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:158)
Arabic:
إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَٱلْمَرْوَةَ مِنۢ شَعَٰٓئِرِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ فَمَنۡ حَجَّ ٱلۡبَيْتَ أَوِ ٱعْتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَن يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا
Transliteration:
Inna aṣ-ṣafā wal-marwata min sha‘ā’iri Allāh. Famān ḥajja al-bayta aw i‘tamara falā junāḥa ‘alayhi an yatawwafa bihimā.
Sa’i is a symbolic act of perseverance, representing both physical and spiritual struggle.
Shaving or Trimming the Hair
After completing the Tawaf and Sa’i rituals, male pilgrims must shave their heads or trim their hair, while female pilgrims are required to trim a small portion of their hair. This act symbolizes purification and humility before Allah.
Quranic Reference:
“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah. But if you are prevented, then [offer] whatever sacrifice is available to you.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196)
Arabic:
وَأَتِمُّوا۟ ٱلۡحَجَّ وَٱلْعُمَرَةَ لِلَّهِ ۚ فَإِنْ أُحْصِرْتُمْ فَمَا ٱسْتَيْسَرَ مِنَ ٱلْهَدْىِ
Transliteration:
Wa atimmū al-ḥajja wal-‘umrah lil-Llāh. Fa-in uḥṣirtum famā is tayyasaramin al-hadyi.
The trimming or shaving of the hair after completing the pilgrimage represents the cleansing of one’s past sins and a commitment to start anew.
Differences Between Hajj and Umrah
While both Hajj and Umrah involve similar rituals and take place in the same sacred city, there are several key differences between them. These differences are based on their timing, requirements, and significance.
Timing
- Hajj: Hajj takes place during specific days of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, namely from the 8th to the 12th day. It is obligatory for Muslims who meet the criteria of physical and financial capability to perform it once in their lifetime.
- Umrah: Umrah, on the other hand, can be performed at any time of the year, except during the days of Hajj. It is a voluntary act of worship, although it holds great reward.
Rituals
- Hajj: Hajj includes additional rituals that are not performed during Umrah, such as the standing at Arafat, Muzdalifah, and the stoning of the Jamarat. It is a more elaborate and extended ritual than Umrah.
- Umrah: Umrah involves fewer rituals: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and shaving or trimming the hair.
Obligation
- Hajj: Hajj is obligatory for every adult Muslim who is physically and financially able to undertake the journey. Those who meet the requirements must perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime.
- Umrah: Umrah is a Sunnah (voluntary) act of worship. It is not obligatory, but it is highly recommended for those who can afford to perform it.
Duration
- Hajj: The duration of Hajj is several days, typically five to six days, while the rituals of Umrah can be completed in a few hours.
- Umrah: The duration of Umrah is shorter, usually taking one to two days depending on how long the pilgrim spends at each location.
Spiritual Benefits of Umrah
Despite being a smaller pilgrimage compared to Hajj, Umrah still carries immense spiritual rewards. Performing Umrah allows a Muslim to purify their soul, seek forgiveness from Allah, and renew their faith.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in a Hadith:
“An Umrah to another Umrah is an expiation for whatever (sins) come between them, and Hajj Mabrur (an accepted Hajj) has no reward other than Paradise.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
Arabic:
الْعُمْرَةُ إِلَىٰ الْعُمْرَةِ كَفَّارَةٌ لِّمَا بَيْنَهُمَا وَحَجَّةٌ مَّبْرُورٌ لَّا جَزَاءَ لَهَا إِلَّا الْجَنَّةِ
Transliteration:
Al-‘umrah ilā al-‘umrah kaffārah limā baynahumā wa ḥajjah mabrūr laa jazā’alahā illā al-jannah.
This Hadith shows that performing Umrah regularly cleanses the believer from past sins and brings them closer to Allah.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Umrah and Hajj are important acts of worship that hold immense spiritual rewards in Islam, though they differ in terms of timing, rituals, and obligations. Hajj, being one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is obligatory for those who meet the financial and physical requirements, while Umrah is a voluntary act of devotion that can be performed at any time throughout the year.
Despite the difference in obligation, Umrah offers great spiritual benefits, providing an opportunity for Muslims to purify their hearts, seek forgiveness, and draw closer to Allah. The rituals of Umrah, including Ihram, Tawaf, and Sa’i, are symbolic of devotion, patience, and submission to Allah’s will.
While Hajj involves more elaborate rituals and takes place during specific dates, Umrah serves as a spiritual refreshment, with its shorter duration and fewer rituals. For those who are unable to perform Hajj, Umrah remains an excellent opportunity to fulfill the desire for pilgrimage and earn divine blessings.
Ultimately, both pilgrimages serve as a means to cleanse one’s soul, increase faith, and reinforce the bond with the Creator. May Allah grant all Muslims the ability to perform both Hajj and Umrah, and accept their worship. Ameen.
To learn more, comment below or Message us on WhatsApp: +880-1716-988-953 or call us at +44-73801-27019. Email at hi@islamidawahcenter.com
===============================================
Join IDC & be a part of Sadaqah Jariyah.
- Visit Link 01 and Link 02 to learn about IDC and IDC Foundation.
- Click Here to learn more about IDC Madrasa & IDC Foundation.
- If you want to become a permanent member/partner of IDC Madrasa, visit This Link.
- Contribute to the IDC Orphanage & IDC Foundation to succeed in this world and the Hereafter.
- For the Treatment of severe illnesses based on the guidance of the Quran and Hadith, Contact IDC.
- Join This Group to learn and share knowledge about Islamic topics.