Hajj vs Umrah: What’s the Difference?
Introduction Hajj and Umrah are two of the most sacred pilgrimages in Islam, performed by millions of Muslims each year. While both involve visiting the holy city of Makkah and performing specific rituals, they differ in terms of obligation, timing, duration, and significance. If you're a Muslim planning your first pilgrimage or just want to understand the distinctions, this guide will walk you through a detailed comparison of Hajj vs Umrah . What Is Hajj? Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam . It is a mandatory religious duty for every financially and physically capable Muslim to perform once in their lifetime. Key Facts: Obligatory: Yes (once in a lifetime) Timing: 8th to 12th Dhul Hijjah (Islamic calendar) Duration: 5–6 days Location: Primarily in Makkah, with rituals in Mina , Arafat , and Muzdalifah Population: 2 to 3 million pilgrims annually Hajj commemorates the actions of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), Hajar, and their son Ismail. It includes sp...