Saudi Arabia Bus Accident: What is the difference between Umrah and Hajj? How long does it take, and whether performing Umrah is as mandatory as Hajj? Read Details

In a tragic incident, at least 45 Indian Umrah pilgrims lost their lives in a bus accident in Riyadh. It became the final journey for the Umrah pilgrims. It has also drawn attention to the importance of understanding the major Islamic pilgrimage rituals: Hajj and Umrah. While both are significant in Islam, they differ in various aspects, including their religious importance, timing, and the specific rituals involved.

What is Hajj?

Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is an obligatory pilgrimage for all Muslims who are physically and financially capable of performing it. It is performed annually during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Every Muslim who meets the requirements is required to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime,