3 Basic Differences of Hajj and Umrah »Mulia Nabawi

Hajj and Umrah are two very noble forms of worship in the teachings of Islam. Both are included in the type of physical worship whose implementation is in the same place, namely around the Ka’ba, precisely in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Although done in the same place, both of these worship has differences in several important aspects, especially in terms of implementation time, procedures, and pillars.

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam which is the duty of every Muslim and Muslim who has met the physical, mental and financial requirements. The obligation to make a pilgrimage is emphasized in the Qur’an and also in the authentic hadith presented by the Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam. In syar’i terms, Hajj is defined as a form of worship for Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala which is done by following the manacles (worship) exemplified by the Prophet Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam. This worship can only be done at certain times, in places that have been done, and with practices that are not derived or added.

Meanwhile, Umrah in the sense of shar’i is a pilgrimage to Baitullah which is carried out with a series of practices in the form of tawaf around the Ka’ba, doing sa’i between Shafa and Marwah Hill, and ends with Tahallul, which is shaving or shorting the head of the head. Umrah is often referred to as a “small pilgrim”, because it has similarities with the pilgrimage in several practices, but is not included in the pillars of Islam. Unlike the pilgrimage that can only be done at certain times in a year, pilgrimage can be done at any time throughout the year.

Hajj and Umrah Equations

Some similarities between Hajj and Umrah can be seen from the following two main aspects:

1. Execution site
   Both of these worship are carried out in the same place, namely Baitullah (Kakbah) located in the city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

2. The law of implementation for those who are capable
   Both Hajj and Umrah, both are required for Muslims who have the ability, both in terms of physical, mental, and financial.

The argument of the obligation to make a pilgrimage can be found in the Qur’an, including:

• Surah Ali Imran Verse 97:
  And to God for the pilgrimage of the house, anyone who can find a way for Him.
  Meaning: “And the obligation of humans from God is to make a pilgrimage to the house, that is, for those who can travel there. Anyone who does not obey (pilgrimage), then God is rich (does not need something) from the universe.”

• Surah Al-Baqarah Verse 196:
  “And do Hajj and Umrah for God …”
  Meaning: “And fulfill the pilgrimage and pilgrimage for God …”

The Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam also explained the obligation of pilgrimage very clearly:

“O people, it’s mandatory for you to talk, let it be.”
Then a man asked, “Is that every year, O God’s messenger?”
Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam was silent until he asked three times.
Then he said, “If I say: ‘Yes’, then it will be needed every year, and you will not be able to. Then let what I leave for you. Indeed, people before you ask and disturb their Prophet.
(Muslim History Hadith)

Like the pilgrimage, Umrah is also obliged to one life for capable Muslims, based on the same verse in the verses of Surah Al-Baqarah 196.

The difference between hajj and umrah

Despite having similarities in some ways, the pilgrimage and pilgrimage still have important differences that need to be known by every Muslim so that there is no mistake in their intention or implementation. Here are some of the main differences between the two:

1. Execution time
   Hajj can only be done once a year, namely in the month of Dzulhijjah. The series of pilgrims began on the 8th of Dzulhijjah with Mabit (overnight) in Mina, then continued with Wukuf at Arafat on the 9th of Dzulhijjah, and continued by throwing jumrah on the 10th of Dzulhijjah. The implementation of this worship coincides with Iduladha.
   Unlike the pilgrimage, pilgrimage can be done at any time throughout the year, without being bound by a certain time.

2. Ritual worship
   The pillars of the Umrah worship consist of four things, namely Ihram (intention to enter the pilgrimage), Tawaf surrounds seven rounds of the Kakbah, Sa’i between Bukit Shafa and Marwah, and Tahallul.
   Whereas the pillars of the pilgrimage include all the pillars of Umrah, with the addition: Wukuf at Arafat, Mabit at Muzdalifah and Mina, and throwing jumrah.

3. Implementation duration
   In terms of implementation time, the pilgrimage takes a longer time compared to Umrah. The fastest pilgrimage is carried out in four days, while Umrah can be completed in just 2 to 3 hours. For this reason, the pilgrimage requires a stronger physical condition and higher readiness.

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Thus the explanation of the similarities and differences between Hajj and Umrah. Although both have similarities, there are still fundamental differences that need to be well understood. By understanding the pillars, conditions, and time of implementation of each worship, hopefully we can fulfill the two correctly and according to the guidance of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. May Allah Subhaanahu wa ta’aala make it easier for all of us to be His guests and achieve the title Hajj Mabrur As well as the Maqbul Umrah, Aamiin.