The Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims can do at any time of the year. This is different from the Hajj, which can only be done during the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, according to the Islamic lunar calendar. In Arabic, Umrah is “to travel to a place with people.” Umrah means to do Tawaf around the Kaaba and Sa’i between Safa and Marwah, according to the Sharia. Only after assuming Ihram should this be done (a sacred state). Ihram must be done when traveling by land and passing through a Miqat like Zu ‘l-Hulafa, Juhfa, Qarnu ‘l-Manzil, Yalamlam, Zt-i-‘Irq, Ibrahm Mursa, or a place in al-Hill.

There are different regulations that apply to air travelers, who are obliged to observe Ihram once they visit a certain hodood within the city of Mecca. Sometimes, it is referred to as the “lesser pilgrimage” or the “minor pilgrimage.” Umrah is not required for Muslims but is strongly encouraged.

Hajj and Umrah: Know the Differences

• Both are Islamic pilgrimages, although the importance and method of observance differ greatly.
• The five pillars of Islam include the Hajj and the pilgrimage to Mecca. Once in a Muslim’s lifetime, they must participate if they are physically and financially able.
• During the month of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar, Muslims perform the Hajj pilgrimage. A person can conduct the Umrah ritual at any time.
• On the other hand, Hajj takes more time and rituals than Umrah, which can be completed in only a few hours.

What Is Ihram?

The word “Ihram” means “to make haraam” (forbidden). For the haji, some halaal (permissible) acts become forbidden when he pronounces the intention of Umrah and utters the Talbiyah (speech). When a haji says the intention (Niyyah) of Umrah and says Talbiyah, some things that were halal for him become haraam for him.

This action (Niyyah and Talbiyah) taken together is called Ihram. Ihram is a metaphor for the two pieces of cloth a haji wears. But Niyyah and Talbiyah are the real Ihram. If a believer wears these two pieces of cloth but doesn’t say “Talbiyah” and announces his intention, they do not become a Muhrim.

The Shipping Corporation of India phased out aging ships from Mumbai to Jeddah in 1995, leaving families with the option of flying only to Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia. As a result, Delhi in North India emerged as a major departure hub for all Hajj and Umrah packages from Delhi. Another significant factor was the proximity to the states of Uttar Pradesh, Kashmir, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, and even West Bengal.

It is now simple for pilgrims to book Umrah packages from Delhi because so many reputable airlines, including Saudi Airlines, Gulf Airways, Etihad, Emirates, Kuwait Airways, Oman Airways, Air India, and Jet Airways, offer direct flights or easy connections to Jeddah or Madinah from Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Browse a variety of group Umrah packages from Delhi or create a customized itinerary just for you and your family at Makkah Haj Corporation. May Allah accept the Umrah and pilgrimages of our brothers and sisters to the holy towns of Makkah and Madinah.