While Hajj is obligatory, Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that carries immense spiritual rewards. It is often referred to as the “lesser pilgrimage” and can be performed at any time of the year. Unlike Hajj, which has a fixed time and specific rituals, Umrah is more flexible and provides an opportunity for believers to seek closeness to Allah through worship.
Differences Between Hajj and Umrah
- Hajj is obligatory, while Umrah is recommended and can be performed multiple times.
- Hajj has fixed dates in Dhul-Hijjah, whereas Umrah can be performed anytime.
- Hajj includes standing in Arafat, a key pillar absent in Umrah.
Steps to Perform Umrah
- Ihram and Intention
- Before entering Makkah, pilgrims must enter a state of Ihram and make the intention for Umrah.
- They recite the Talbiyah prayer, signaling their devotion to Allah.
- Tawaf (Circling the Kaaba)
- Pilgrims perform Tawaf around the Kaaba seven times, expressing unity and submission to God.
- Sa’i (Walking between Safa and Marwah)
- Pilgrims walk back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times, just as Hajar (AS) did in search of water for her son.
- Tahalul (Shaving or Trimming Hair)
- Male pilgrims shave their heads, while female pilgrims trim a small portion of their hair, marking the completion of Umrah.
How 7th Sky Travel & Tours Makes Your Umrah Journey Easy
With our customized Umrah packages, we take care of flights, hotel bookings, transport, and visa processing, allowing you to focus solely on your spiritual journey. Our experienced guides ensure that you understand and complete every step of the pilgrimage with ease.