Difference between Hajj and Umrah: a simple comparison

Hajj vs Umrah in short

Hajj is the obligatory pilgrimage to Makkah, done once a year on fixed days. Umrah is a shorter pilgrimage that can be done at most times of the year. Both start in ihram and include tawaf of the Kaaba and sa’i between Safa and Marwah, but only Hajj includes the days at Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.

Is Hajj or Umrah obligatory?

Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for those who can afford it and are able to travel. Umrah is not a pillar of Islam.

• Hajj: fard once in a lifetime for every adult Muslim who has the health and the means.
• Umrah: scholars differ. Many hold it to be a strongly recommended Sunnah; others hold it to be obligatory once in a lifetime.
• An Umrah, however many times it is done, does not take the place of Hajj.

Ask your own scholar how this applies to you, especially if you are deciding which to do first.

When each is done

Hajj has fixed dates; Umrah does not.

• Hajj: only from 8 to 13 Dhul Hijjah. In 2027, the Day of Arafah is expected around 15 May, subject to the sighting of the moon.
• Umrah: at most times of the year. Many families go in the winter holidays or in Ramzan.
• Saudi Arabia closes the Umrah season for foreign pilgrims around Hajj. As reported, for the current season the last Umrah visa is issued on 9 March 2027 and the last entry is on 23 March 2027. Umrah reopens after Hajj.

The rites compared

Umrah’s rites are also part of Hajj. Hajj then adds several more days of rites.

• Ihram: both
• Tawaf of the Kaaba: both
• Sa’i between Safa and Marwah: both
• Shaving or cutting the hair (halq or taqsir): both
• Days in Mina, the standing at Arafat and the night at Muzdalifah: Hajj only. Standing at Arafat is the heart of Hajj.
• Rami (stoning) at the Jamarat: Hajj only
• Qurbani (sacrifice): Hajj, for those doing Tamattu or Qiran
• Tawaf al-Ifadah: Hajj only

Most pilgrims from India do Hajj al-Tamattu: an Umrah first, then Hajj in the same trip.

How long each takes

The rites of Umrah take a few hours. The rites of Hajj take five to six days.

• Umrah trip from India: usually 15 to 20 days, with time in Makkah and Madinah.
• Hajj through the Haj Committee: usually 40 to 45 days, or 20 days on its Short Haj.
• Private Hajj: about 17 days to six weeks, depending on the package.

Cost from India

Hajj costs several times more than Umrah, because of the Hajj days, the season and the longer stay.

• Umrah: our 15-day group package from Mumbai is ₹89,999 and our 20-day package is ₹99,999 per person, on 5-bed average sharing. GST and TCS extra as applicable.
• Hajj through the Haj Committee: as reported, about ₹3.5 lakh per pilgrim from Mumbai for Haj 2026.
• Private Hajj: higher than the Haj Committee. Our Hajj 2027 rates are shared on call.

Visa and permits

Umrah and Hajj need different visas. A Hajj cannot be done on an Umrah or tourist visa.

• Umrah: an Umrah visa, with Umrah bookings and permits made through the Nusuk system. As reported, some other Saudi visas, such as the tourist visa, also allow Umrah outside the Hajj period.
• Hajj: only under India’s Hajj quota, through the Haj Committee of India or an approved private Hajj Group Organiser (HGO).
• Hajj arrangements are tentative and subject to Saudi and Indian government policy and approvals.