Hajj versus Umrah
| Aspect | Hajj | Umrah |
|---|---|---|
| Ruling | Obligatory once for those able | Highly recommended |
| Time | Fixed days of Dhul-Hijjah | Most of the year |
| Duration | About five days of rites | A few hours for the rites |
| Places | Makkah, Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah | The Sacred Mosque in Makkah |
فِيهِ ءَايَٰتُۢ بَيِّنَٰتٞ مَّقَامُ إِبۡرَٰهِيمَۖ وَمَن دَخَلَهُۥ كَانَ ءَامِنٗاۗ وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ حِجُّ ٱلۡبَيۡتِ مَنِ ٱسۡتَطَاعَ إِلَيۡهِ سَبِيلٗاۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ عَنِ ٱلۡعَٰلَمِينَSteps of Umrah
Ihram
At the miqat: wash, put on ihram clothing (two white sheets for men, modest clothing for women), make the intention for Umrah and say “Labbayk Allahumma ‘Umrah”.
Talbiyah
Repeat the Talbiyah until you reach the Sacred Mosque.
Tawaf
Seven circuits around the Kaaba starting and ending at the Black Stone, with the Kaaba on your left.
Two rak‘ahs
Pray two rak‘ahs behind the Station of Abraham if possible.
Sa’i
Seven trips between Safa and Marwah, starting at Safa and ending at Marwah.
Halq or taqsir
Men shave or trim the hair; women trim a fingertip’s length. Umrah is then complete.
The days of Hajj in brief
| Day | Main rites |
|---|---|
| 8 Dhul-Hijjah (Tarwiyah) | Entering ihram for Hajj and moving to Mina |
| 9 Dhul-Hijjah (Arafah) | Standing at Arafat, then spending the night at Muzdalifah |
| 10 Dhul-Hijjah (Eid) | Stoning Jamrat al-Aqabah, sacrifice, shaving and Tawaf al-Ifadah |
| 11–13 Dhul-Hijjah | Stoning the three Jamarat, staying in Mina, then the farewell tawaf |
How to plan your trip
- Check current visa and permit rules with official sources: the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Nusuk platform. Rules and registration dates change every year.
- Book through a licensed agent or the official platform, and beware of anonymous adverts and suspiciously cheap prices.
- Check vaccination requirements before travel and ask your doctor if you have a chronic condition.
- Learn the rites before you travel, carry an illustrated guide, and practise walking long distances.
- Set a budget that covers flights, lodging, transport, food, sacrifice, gifts and emergencies.
Use the budget planner to estimate costs. Enter the prices quoted by your own provider: costs vary by country, season and accommodation level, and any numbers we show are not offers.
Tips for first-timers
- Bring comfortable shoes, a water bottle and a small umbrella.
- Keep your hotel name and address on a card; crowds can separate groups.
- Put patience and good manners before pushing; Hajj is not a race.
- Wash your hands often and wear a mask if needed to limit infection in crowds.
Frequently asked questions
Can I perform Hajj with borrowed money?
Hajj is obligatory only for those who can afford it, so borrowing for it is not required, and one should not burden dependants with debt.
Can a woman perform Hajj without a mahram?
Scholars differ, and Saudi regulations in force at the time of travel also apply, so check the current official rules.
When is the best time for Umrah?
It can be performed most of the year; it is usually less crowded outside Ramadan and school holidays, though Umrah in Ramadan carries great reward.
Quran text and translations: QuranEnc. Hadith translations: HadeethEnc. Sources are shown on each item. Found a mistake? Tell us.