To know How much Umrah is equal to Hajj we must first understand the difference between these two pilgrimage rituals,
Hajj is described in the Quran as one of the five pillars of Islam, while Umrah is a shorter pilgrimage that can be taken at any time of the year.
How Much Umrah is Equal to Hajj?
there is only one Umrah is equal to Hajj; Umrah during Ramadan, This is due to the hadith of the Prophet, (pbuh), who said:
“Umrah in Ramadan is equal to Hajj.” [Al-Bukhari]
قال الرسول -صلى الله عليه وسلم- “عمرة في رمضان تعدل حجة” [أخرجه البخاري]
But that does not mean that it equals the reward of Hajj in every respect.
Comparing Umrah and Hajj
The basic difference between Umrah and Hajj is distinguished by the time that is required to complete the two pilgrimages,
In addition to other differences, for example:
Firstly, Umrah
- It is a very simple pilgrimage and is completed within a few hours.
- It consists of a few simple rituals such as wearing special clothing, which is known as Ihram, Tawaf, Sai, and finally offering prayers.
- The entire pilgrimage of Umrah can be completed within two days,
at any time of the year except during the Hajj months.
Secondly, Hajj
- Hajj requires a great deal of ritual preparation and lasts for several days.
- Hajj is considered the fifth and final pillar of Islam and its observance is mandatory for every Muslim
at least once in life if one can afford the expense of the journey.
- It consists of several rituals that must be performed one after the other in a very specific order.
- It is usually performed during the month of Dhul-Hijjah, which is the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
- During Hajj, pilgrims spend a few days at Mina, Muzdalifa, and Arafah followed by visiting Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and the sacred sites of Mina and Muzdalifa.
Rules & Obligations
The ritual of Hajj involves a variety of rules and obligations that must be followed by the pilgrim,
The main obligation is to perform all of the rituals in the same manner that was demonstrated by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
In addition, pilgrims must also be physically and financially able in order to perform Hajj and must be
accompanied by a qualified and authorized Mahram (a male relative) if they are a woman.
Note that the condition of Mahram according to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has been abolished since 2022
In the case of Umrah, the rules and regulations are simpler as compared to those of Hajj.
Those who wish to perform Umrah can do so at any time of the year except during Hajj season, in which case they must wait until Hajj has been completed.
FAQs
Q: Is Umrah a religious obligation?
A: No, unlike Hajj, Umrah is not considered an obligation in Islam,
However, it is highly encouraged for Muslims to perform this pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.
Q: Can I perform Umrah during the month of Hajj?
A: No, during the months of Hajj, it is not permissible for Muslims to perform Umrah, This is because
during the period of Hajj, the pilgrims are preoccupied with the rituals of Hajj,
and Umrah cannot be performed until the Hajj pilgrimage is finished.
Key Takeaways
- Hajj and Umrah are two different pilgrimage rituals with distinct rituals and requirements.
- Hajj is obligatory for every financially and physically able Muslim at least once in a life, whereas Umrah is not considered an obligation.
- Hajj requires a great deal of physical and financial preparation and lasts for several days, Umrah is simpler and can be completed within two days.
In conclusion, while both Umrah and Hajj involve significant spiritual and religious significance, there are several key differences between them,
and if you performed Umrah during Ramadan month is equal to Hajj, but not equal to the reward of Hajj in every respect.
