The rites that Hajj adds
Umrah's four rites are all contained within Hajj. What Hajj adds is everything outside Makkah: wuquf at Arafat on 9 Dhul Hijjah, the night at Muzdalifah, stoning at the Jamarat over three days in Mina, the sacrifice, and the farewell tawaf.
| Hajj | Umrah | |
|---|---|---|
| Obligation | Fard, once in a lifetime if able | Sunnah or wajib depending on school |
| When | 8-13 Dhul Hijjah only | Any day of the year |
| Duration of rites | 5-6 days | 3-5 hours |
| Trip length from India | 25-40 days | 7-15 nights |
| Locations | Makkah, Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah | Masjid al-Haram only |
| Core rites | Ihram, tawaf, sa'i, wuquf at Arafat, Muzdalifah night, stoning, sacrifice, halq | Ihram, tawaf, sa'i, halq or taqsir |
| Quota system | Yes, allotted per country | No quota |
| Cost from India | ₹3,50,000 - ₹7,00,000 | ₹78,000 - ₹3,10,000 |
| Waiting period | Often several years by ballot | None, visa in 24-72 hours |
Which should you do first?
For most people the question answers itself. Hajj requires a quota allocation and often a multi-year wait through the Hajj Committee of India; Umrah requires a visa that arrives in 24-72 hours. Performing Umrah while waiting is the ordinary path, and it is useful preparation, the tawaf and sa'i are the same rites under far heavier crowds.
Questions
What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?
Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for every capable Muslim and can only be performed on fixed dates in Dhul Hijjah. Umrah is voluntary and can be performed year round. Hajj takes five to six days and includes Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina; Umrah takes three to five hours and is completed entirely within Makkah.
Can you perform Umrah instead of Hajj?
No. Umrah does not discharge the obligation of Hajj. They are separate acts of worship with separate rites.
Which is more expensive, Hajj or Umrah?
Hajj costs far more. From India, Hajj runs 3,50,000 to 7,00,000 rupees per person while Umrah runs 78,000 to 3,10,000.