Umrah and Hajj are spiritual journeys that all Muslims strive to perform annually. While they share many rituals, they differ in their rulings. Hajj is obligatory for every able-bodied Muslim and is one of the pillars of Islam, unlike Umrah, which the majority of scholars agree is Sunnah Mu’akkadah. Therefore, many Muslims seek to understand the Umrah and Hajj difference.
Both Umrah and Hajj are sacred pilgrimages to Makkah, but they differ in timing, obligation, and preparation. Here’s what every Muslim in the UAE should know.
What Is Umrah?
Umrah is one of the great acts of worship in Islam, combining spirituality and practicality. It is a ritual through which Muslims draw closer to Allah Almighty. Umrah is defined as a visit to the Sacred House of Allah in Mecca to perform specific rituals, including circumambulating the Kaaba (Tawaf), walking between Safa and Marwa (Sa’i), entering into the state of Ihram, and shaving or trimming the hair.
It is called Umrah because it fills the heart with tranquility and piety, and fills the place with the remembrance of Allah and obedience. At AlSharqTravel,
for Muslims, making their Umrah journey easier.
What is Hajj?
Hajj in Islam is the pilgrimage of Muslims to the city of Mecca during a specific season each year. It has specific rituals called the Hajj rites, and it is an obligation once in a lifetime for every able-bodied adult Muslim.
It is the fifth pillar of Islam, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Islam is built upon five pillars: testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing prayer, paying zakat (obligatory charity), fasting Ramadan, and performing Hajj to the House (the Kaaba) for those who are able to undertake the journey.”
Hajj is an individual obligation upon every able-bodied adult Muslim, as mentioned in the Quran:
“And proclaim to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass.” (Surah Al-Hajj 22:27)
At Al Sharq Travel, we provide comprehensive Hajj packages from UAE to make the Hajj journey easier for Muslims.
Umrah vs Hajj — Complete Side-by-Side Comparison
With the Hajj season approaching, many Muslims are wondering which is better, Umrah or Hajj, while others are searching for the difference between Hajj and Umrah. Below is a quick comparison between Umrah vs Hajj:
| Feature | Hajj | Umrah |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Once a year during the month of Dhul-Hijjah | Throughout the year |
| Obligation | Obligatory (One of the pillars of Islam) | Sunnah Mu’akkadah (Recommended) |
| Duration | 14 to 21 days | 3 to 11 days |
| Cost (from UAE) | Starting from AED 18,000 | Starting from AED 2,490 up to AED 4,950 |
| Key Rituals |
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| Who Can Perform | Every adult, sane, free Muslim (male or female) who is physically and financially capable. Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for those who meet these conditions. | Every Muslim (male and female) who is of age, of sound mind, and financially and physically capable. |
Is Umrah Mandatory in Islam?
Regarding the Umrah and Hajj difference, the majority of scholars agree that Umrah is Sunnah Mu’akkadah and not an obligatory act like Hajj, which is one of the pillars of Islam. Therefore, it is recommended for Muslims to perform Umrah when they have the financial and physical means, as it has great merit in expiating sins. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged performing it in the manner and way described in the Sunnah.
At Al Sharq Travel, we offer Umrah and Hajj packages throughout the year at varying prices within diverse packages (economy, premium, and luxury) suitable for families, individuals, and groups. We provide luxurious accommodation in hotels near the Haram (Grand Mosque), in addition to religious guidance to facilitate the performance of the Umrah rituals.
Can You Perform Both Hajj and Umrah on the Same Trip?
Of course, yes. It is possible to combine Hajj and Umrah within the Hajj rituals, which is called Hajj al-Tamattu’ and Hajj al-Qiran. These are two types of Hajj.
Hajj al-Tamattu’
Hajj al-Tamattu’ is when a Muslim performs Umrah during the months of Hajj, and after completing it, enters into Ihram for Hajj. The legitimacy of this type of Hajj is established in the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet. From the Quran, Allah Almighty says:
“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah…” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196)
From the Sunnah, it is narrated that Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) accompanied the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) on the Farewell Pilgrimage. Some pilgrims intended Umrah, some intended both Umrah and Hajj, and some intended Hajj only.
Hajj al-Qiran
Hajj al-Qiran is when a Muslim enters into Ihram for both Umrah and Hajj with a single intention. Upon entering Ihram for both, one says, “Labbayk Umrah wa Hajj” (Here I am for Umrah and Hajj), or one enters into Ihram for Umrah and then adds the intention for Hajj before beginning the Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba).
Cost Comparison: Umrah vs Hajj from UAE
It’s worth noting the significant difference in the cost of Umrah vs Hajj from the UAE. Umrah is considerably cheaper, starting from AED 2,490 for the economy package and reaching AED 4,950 for the luxury package. In contrast, Hajj packages can cost up to AED 18,000 or more. This substantial difference stems from the varying lengths of stay for each ritual, as well as the relatively high demand and logistics during the Hajj season.
Book Umrah or Hajj from UAE with Alsharq Travel
At Alsharq Travel, our exceptional Umrah and Hajj packages are designed to provide you with a spiritually enriching and hassle-free journey. We handle all the details, from visa processing and direct flights to accommodation in luxurious hotels just steps from the Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah. With 24/7 on-site support and expert religious guides, your comfort and spirituality are our top priorities. We offer weekly flights and customized group arrangements to suit all needs.
- Over 21 years of experience in Umrah and Hajj packages.
- Accredited and licensed travel agency by the UAE Ministry of Economy.
- Direct partnerships with luxury hotels in Mecca and Medina.
- Fast Umrah visas (3-5 business days).
- Spiritual guides and specialized tours.
- 24/7 customer support in Arabic and English.
- 4.8/5 rating on Google with 277+ reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is Umrah different from Hajj?
The main difference between Umrah and Hajj is that Hajj is an obligatory pillar of Islam with specific timing and rituals, while Umrah is a highly recommended Sunnah that can be performed year-round.
Why is Hajj more expensive than Umrah?
The price difference is due to the greater number of rituals in Hajj, the longer required stay, and the high demand for logistics and accommodation during the specific Hajj season compared to Umrah.
Which is cheaper, Umrah or Hajj?
Umrah is significantly cheaper than Hajj, with an economy Umrah package starting at AED 2,490.
Is Umrah compulsory like Hajj?
No, Umrah is not obligatory like Hajj; rather, it is considered a highly recommended Sunnah by the majority of scholars.
Can Umrah and Hajj be performed together?
Of course, a Muslim can combine the rituals of Hajj and Umrah within the framework of Hajj al-Tamattu’ and Hajj al-Qiran.
How long does Umrah take compared to Hajj?
Completing the rituals of Umrah takes no more than a few hours (excluding travel), unlike Hajj, which takes approximately 5 to 6 days to complete the core rituals.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between Umrah and Hajj helps Muslims perform the rituals correctly. Muslims can perform Umrah throughout the year, unlike Hajj, which is restricted to a specific timeframe. At Alsharq Travel, we offer luxurious Umrah and Hajj packages that include accommodation, airfare, and religious guidance to help Muslims perform the rituals correctly. Ready to start with Umrah? Alsharq offers packages year-round from Sharjah and Dubai. See all options here.
