Umrah vs. Hajj — What's the Difference?

The ʿUmrah (Arabic: عُمْرَة, lit. '"to visit a populated place"') is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca (the holiest city for Muslims, located in the Hejazi region of Saudi Arabia) that can be undertaken at any time of the year, in contrast to the Ḥajj (; "pilgrimage"), which has specific dates according to the Islamic lunar calendar. In accordance to the Shariah (Law of Islam), for both pilgrimages, a Muslim must first assume Ihram, a state of purification achieved by completing cleansing rituals, wearing the prescribed attire, and abstaining from certain actions.

The Hajj (; Arabic: حَجّ Ḥajj "pilgrimage"; sometimes also spelled Hadj, Hadji or Haj in English) is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims. Hajj is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey, and of supporting their family during their absence from home.In Islamic terminology, Hajj is a pilgrimage made to the Kaaba, the "House of God", in the sacred city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

Alternative form of 'umra

A pilgrimage to Mecca during Dhu'l Hijja, considered obligatory for all Muslims who are capable of undertaking it at least once in their lifetime.

(Islam) The pilgrimage to Mecca made by pious Muslims; one of the five pillars of Islam.

The fifth pillar of Islam is a pilgrimage to Mecca during the month of Dhu al-Qadah; at least once in a lifetime a Muslim is expected to make a religious journey to Mecca and the Kaaba;