Difference between the Hajj and Umrah

Umrah and Hajj both are pilgrimages of Islam that are undertaken by Muslims all over the world.
A person who has not performed any of them generally fails to comprehend the difference
between Umrah and Hajj. Although many of the practices and rituals and of Umrah and Hajj and
are similar, still there are many differences between the umrah and Hajj, such as:
Importance:
Hajj is considered as the main or major pilgrimage whereas Umrah is considered as a lesser or
minor one. From the religious point of view, the importance of Hajj is higher and more than that
of Umrah.
Rituals:
The rituals for Umrah include the ihram (ritual of purification), Tawaaf (circumambulation)
the Holy Kaabah, Saaee (the running) between the mountains of Safa and Marwah, drinking the
Zamzam water, and shaving off the hair. In addition to all the rituals that are practiced in Umrah,
Hajj includes some additional rituals, such as spending days and nights in areas neighbouring the
city of Makkah (Arafat, Mina, and Muzdalifah), rami-al-jamarat (stoning the devil), and Qurbani
(slaughtering the animal) in the name of ALLAH.
Pilgrimage month:
Another difference between Umrah and Hajj is that Hajj can only be performed in the month
Dhul-Hijjah (Zul Hijjah) only, whereas Umrah can be performed at throughout the year (except
the days of hajj).

The Rulings for Umrah and Hajj:

The most important point of dissimilarity between the Hajj and Umrah is the fact that Hajj
is one of the five pillars of Islam. ALLAH has made Hajj obligatory for all the Muslims to
perform at least once in their life. As mentioned by ALLAH in the holy Quran, verse 3:97
In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be
safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able
to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves - then indeed, Allah is free from need of the
worlds.
While In case of Umrah, it is not obligatory to perform but it has its own importance and value.
The Crux of the differences between Umrah and Hajj:
1. Umrah and Hajj and are both Islamic pilgrimages. The main areas of differentiation between
these two are based on the level of significance, way of observance, and the also method of
practice.
2. Hajj is the major pilgrimage and has more religious importance as compared to Umrah.
3. Hajj is obligatory for all Muslims to perform at least once in a lifetime; on the contrary,
Umrah is not obligatory.
3. Hajj has to be performed in the month of Zil-Haj, whereas Umrah can be performed whole
year.
4. Hajj is one of the five basic pillars of Islam but Umrah is not.
5. Umrah and Hajj seem similar in the start but Hajj is more detailed and involves more rituals
with longer duration whereas Umrah can be performed in less time.
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