Hajj vs Umrah: Differences, Similarities & Which to Do First

Hajj vs Umrah — what is the difference?

Hajj and Umrah are both pilgrimages to Makkah that Muslims perform as acts of worship. While they share some rituals — like Tawaf around the Kaaba and Sa'i between Safa and Marwah — they differ significantly in obligation, timing, duration, rituals, and cost.

If you have ever wondered "what is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?" or "which should I do first?", this comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know.

Quick comparison: Hajj vs Umrah at a glance

Factor	Hajj	Umrah
Obligation	5th Pillar of Islam — Fard (mandatory) once in a lifetime for those who can afford it	Sunnah Mu'akkadah (strongly recommended)
Timing	Only during 8th–13th Dhul Hijjah	Any time of the year
Duration	5–6 days minimum	2–4 hours (rituals only)
Rituals	Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, Rami (stoning), Qurbani, shaving	Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, shaving/trimming
Cost (average)	£4,000–£12,000+ from UK	£1,500–£3,500 from UK
Pilgrims	2–3 million (capped by Saudi quotas)	Millions year-round (no cap)
Reward	Equivalent to Jihad; accepted Hajj = Paradise	Expiation of sins between two Umrahs

What is Hajj?

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam — a mandatory pilgrimage to Makkah that every Muslim must perform at least once in their lifetime, provided they have the physical health, financial means, and safe travel route to do so.

Allah says in the Quran: "And Hajj to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, for those who are able to undertake the journey." (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:97)

Hajj takes place during specific days in the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah (8th to 13th) and involves a series of rituals performed across multiple sacred locations including Makkah, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.

Key features of Hajj:

Performed once a year during fixed dates
Involves approximately 5–6 days of rituals
Includes standing at Arafat (the most important pillar of Hajj)
Requires stoning the Jamarat in Mina
Includes animal sacrifice (Qurbani/Hady)
Regulated by the Saudi government with country-specific quotas
Cannot be performed without a licensed tour operator (for international pilgrims)

What is Umrah?

Umrah is often called the "lesser pilgrimage." While not obligatory (according to the majority of scholars), it is a highly rewarding act of worship that can be performed at any time of the year.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "An Umrah to the next Umrah is an expiation for what comes between them." (Bukhari & Muslim)

Key features of Umrah:

Can be performed any day of the year (except 9th–13th Dhul Hijjah for Hajj pilgrims)
Takes only 2–4 hours to complete the rituals
Consists of four simple rituals: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, and shaving/trimming
No quota system — anyone with a valid visa can perform it
Significantly cheaper than Hajj
Can be performed multiple times in a lifetime

The 5 key differences explained

1. Obligation (Fard vs Sunnah)

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. Denying its obligation takes a person outside the fold of Islam. Every Muslim who meets the conditions (financial ability, physical health, safe route) must perform it at least once.

Umrah is considered Sunnah Mu'akkadah (a strongly emphasised practice) by the Hanafi, Maliki, and Hanbali schools. The Shafi'i school considers it Wajib (obligatory). Either way, it is highly recommended and should not be neglected.

2. Timing

Hajj can only be performed on specific dates: 8th to 13th of Dhul Hijjah. Miss these days and you must wait until the following year.

Umrah can be performed 365 days a year. Many Muslims perform it during Ramadan due to the increased reward — the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that Umrah in Ramadan is equal in reward to performing Hajj with him.

3. Rituals and duration

Hajj rituals (5–6 days):

Enter Ihram from Miqat with intention for Hajj
Proceed to Mina (8th Dhul Hijjah) — spend the night
Stand at Arafat (9th Dhul Hijjah) — the most critical ritual
Stay at Muzdalifah overnight, collect pebbles
Stone Jamarat al-Aqabah (10th Dhul Hijjah)
Perform Qurbani (animal sacrifice)
Shave/trim head — partial release from Ihram
Perform Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa'i
Return to Mina (11th–13th) — stone all three Jamarat
Perform farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wida)

Umrah rituals (2–4 hours):

Enter Ihram from Miqat with intention for Umrah
Perform Tawaf (7 circuits around the Kaaba)
Perform Sa'i (7 walks between Safa and Marwah)
Shave or trim hair — release from Ihram

4. Cost

Hajj is significantly more expensive due to the duration, government fees, accommodation in multiple locations (Makkah + Mina + Arafat), transport between sites, and high demand during limited days. Typical costs from the UK range from £4,000 (economy/shifting) to £12,000+ (private/5-star).

Umrah is much more affordable — a typical 7–10 day Umrah package from the UK costs between £1,500 and £3,500, including flights, hotel, and visa.

5. Spiritual reward

Both carry immense reward, but Hajj holds a higher status:

Hajj: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or transgression shall return free of sin, like the day his mother bore him." (Bukhari)
Umrah: Acts as an expiation of minor sins committed between two Umrahs.

Which should you perform first?

If you have never performed Hajj and you have the means, Hajj should take priority. It is a pillar of Islam and an obligation that should not be delayed unnecessarily — the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Hasten to perform Hajj, for none of you knows what may happen to him."

However, if you cannot afford Hajj yet or cannot secure a Hajj booking this year, performing Umrah is an excellent way to visit the House of Allah and earn reward while you wait for your Hajj opportunity.

Many scholars recommend performing Umrah first as "practice" — you become familiar with Tawaf, Sa'i, Ihram rules, and the layout of the Haram, which makes your Hajj experience smoother when the time comes.

Can you do Hajj and Umrah in the same trip?

Yes. This is called Hajj Tamattu — the most common type of Hajj for international pilgrims. You perform Umrah first (upon arrival in Makkah), exit Ihram, enjoy normal clothing until the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, then enter Ihram again for Hajj.

The other two types are:

Hajj Qiran: Combining Hajj and Umrah in a single continuous Ihram
Hajj Ifrad: Performing Hajj only, without Umrah

Frequently asked questions

Is Umrah compulsory before Hajj? No. You can perform Hajj without ever having done Umrah. However, Hajj Tamattu (which includes Umrah) is the recommended type for most international pilgrims.

Can women perform Umrah alone? According to Saudi regulations (updated 2024), women of any age can now perform Umrah without a Mahram, though many scholars still recommend travelling with one.

How many times can you do Umrah? There is no limit. Many Muslims perform Umrah multiple times in their lifetime, and some perform multiple Umrahs within a single trip.

Is Hajj accepted without Arafat? No. Standing at Arafat on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah is the essential pillar of Hajj. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Hajj is Arafat." Missing it invalidates the entire Hajj.

Which is better — Umrah in Ramadan or Hajj? Hajj is always superior as an obligation and a pillar of Islam. However, if you have already performed your Fard Hajj, Umrah in Ramadan carries the reward equivalent to a Hajj performed with the Prophet.

Support pilgrims through HBSMWA

While HBSMWA does not currently offer Hajj or Umrah travel packages, we support the spirit of pilgrimage by managing Qurbani on behalf of pilgrims and distributing meat to the needy in Gaza and Pakistan. If you are performing Hajj this year, you can donate your Qurbani through us and focus on your worship.

Give your Qurbani through HBSMWA — trusted, transparent, and Shariah-compliant. You can also read our step-by-step Hajj guide or learn the rules of Qurbani.