For Muslims across the UK, visiting the holy sites of Makkah and Madinah is a deeply spiritual aspiration.
Each year, thousands of Muslims undertake this life-changing journey, seeking closeness to Allah and fulfilment of religious obligations.
While both Hajj and Umrah take place in the same sacred locations and involve several shared rituals, there are key differences that every Muslim should understand.
These differences affect your planning, costs, spiritual obligations, and even your travel experience.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is compulsory for every Muslim who is financially and physically able to perform it, once in their lifetime.
Umrah is not obligatory but highly recommended. It is a Sunnah act and offers great reward but does not replace Hajj.
Hajj’s compulsory nature makes it a religious duty similar to Salah and fasting in Ramadan, while Umrah is more flexible and voluntary.
Skipping Hajj when able is considered a serious neglect in Islamic practice, while missing Umrah does not carry the same consequences.
Hajj is a milestone in a Muslim’s life and marks the highest level of religious commitment. Umrah, while deeply spiritual, is more accessible and less demanding in terms of rituals and preparation.
Hajj is performed only during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, from the 8th to the 13th. It has fixed dates and cannot be performed at any other time.
Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, except during the days of Hajj when the focus is on the obligatory pilgrimage.
Hajj can only be performed once per year due to its strict timing and limited quota for international pilgrims.
Umrah can be performed multiple times in a year, even on repeat visits to Saudi Arabia.
This makes Umrah an ideal option for those looking to reconnect with their faith frequently, while Hajj is a more structured and once-in-a-lifetime commitment.
Hajj rituals include:
Entering Ihram
Tawaf (circling the Kaaba)
Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah)
Standing at Arafat (Wuquf)
Staying in Muzdalifah
Stoning the Jamarat
Sacrifice (Qurbani)
Final Tawaf
Shaving or trimming hair
Umrah involves fewer rituals:
Entering Ihram
Tawaf
Sa’i
Shaving or trimming hair
The rituals of Hajj are more complex and span several days across multiple locations. Umrah is usually completed within a few hours and is less physically demanding.
Performing Hajj is seen as a complete rebirth. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah and does not commit any obscenity or sin will return as free from sin as the day his mother gave birth to him." (Bukhari)
Umrah also carries great rewards. In one hadith, the Prophet said:
"Umrah to Umrah is expiation for the sins committed between them." (Bukhari & Muslim)
Hajj provides a complete spiritual reset, while Umrah serves as a spiritual boost, especially when done regularly or in the month of Ramadan.
Hajj packages from the UK typically cost between £6,000 and £11,000+, depending on the length of stay, hotel category, and travel arrangements.
Umrah is far more affordable, with packages ranging from £800 to £2,000, including flights and accommodation.
Hajj costs are higher due to mandatory group travel, logistical support, and government regulations that include transportation between various sites.
Umrah offers greater flexibility, with options to travel solo or with family at off-peak times, reducing overall expenses.
For many Muslims, saving for Hajj is a long-term goal, while Umrah may be more financially achievable in the short term.
Hajj visas are only issued through licensed Hajj operators approved by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj. Muslims must book through a registered group and follow strict guidelines.
Umrah visas are more accessible. UK residents can apply via:
Standard Umrah visa through a travel agent
Saudi tourist e-visa
Multiple-entry business or visit visa
The process for Umrah has become increasingly user-friendly for UK travellers, especially with the introduction of e-visas.
Unlike Umrah, which is shorter and easier to manage, Hajj requires substantial physical preparation.
Pilgrims must:
Walk long distances (sometimes over 20 km during the trip)
Spend nights in tents or outdoors (e.g., in Muzdalifah)
Endure summer heat and heavy crowds
Umrah is better suited for the elderly or those with health conditions. Hajj demands months of both physical and mental preparation, particularly for UK residents not used to high temperatures and walking-intensive days.
Hajj is one of the largest gatherings in the world, with around 2-3 million people attending annually. Crowds are intense, especially during key rituals like Tawaf and stoning the Jamarat.
Umrah has lower crowd density. While Ramadan and school holidays are busier, the experience is generally calmer and easier to manage.
Crowd control during Hajj is tightly managed by the Saudi authorities with restricted movement times, group escorts, and barriers.
Umrah allows more personal freedom in terms of pace, prayer spots, and movement inside the Haram.
Safety measures are critical during Hajj due to the scale of the event, whereas Umrah involves fewer risks and offers a more peaceful environment.
Hajj must be performed with a licensed group. Solo travel is not permitted, and all logistics are arranged by the tour operator.
Umrah allows:
Solo travel
Family trips
Group bookings with travel agents
Customised tour packages
This flexibility makes Umrah ideal for couples, students, or families with children. For Hajj, joining a group is mandatory, and planning must be done well in advance.
Many Muslims often ask: Should I go for Hajj or start with Umrah?
Go for Hajj if:
You have never done it and are eligible
You are physically and financially ready
You have time off work during Dhul-Hijjah
Choose Umrah if:
You want a shorter, less demanding trip
You are travelling with children or elderly parents
You want to go during Ramadan or school breaks
It’s not a matter of one being better than the other, but rather what suits your personal and religious situation best.
Performing Hajj or Umrah is a life-changing journey that requires sincere intention, preparation, and sacrifice. For Muslims in the UK, it also involves planning around work, finances, family, and travel logistics. Both pilgrimages offer a unique path toward spiritual purification and closeness to Allah.
Before booking, speak to your local imam or attend a Hajj/Umrah seminar. Choose a licensed UK tour operator and ensure you understand the rituals and travel arrangements. Whether it’s the majesty of Hajj or the serenity of Umrah, both are journeys worth making.
May Allah grant every Muslim the ability to perform Hajj and Umrah with ease and acceptance. Ameen.
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