What is 'Umrah? (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note
Exam code: 0490
The similarities and differences between Hajj and ‘Umrah
Hajj is the major pilgrimage required of every Muslim, if able, once in their lifetime
It must take place during the month of Dhu’l-Hijja, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar
ʿUmrah is the minor pilgrimage
It is simpler and optional, but is still a significant act of worship and devotion
Similarities between Hajj and ‘Umrah
Both are Islamic pilgrimages to Makkah and involve acts of devotion and worship
Pilgrims wear the special clothing of Ihram, showing equality before Allah and a state of spiritual purity
Both involve Tawaf, where pilgrims walk around the Ka’bah seven times
Both include Sa’y, the walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa in remembrance of Hagar’s search for water
Pilgrims may drink from the Zamzam well, which is located within the mosque area in Makkah
Both are seen as acts of spiritual cleansing and devotion, bringing the believer closer to Allah
Completing either pilgrimage is considered highly rewarding and spiritually significant
Differences between Hajj and ‘Umrah
Obligation:
Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is therefore compulsory
‘Umrah is not compulsory but is recommended highly in the Sunnah
Timing:
While Hajj must be completed in the month of Dhu’l-Hijja (the 12th month of the Islamic calendar), ‘Umrah can be completed at any time of year
The rites involved are slightly different
Hajj is more complicated and contains extra rituals, including standing at ‘Arafat, collecting pebbles in Muzdalifah and stoning the pillars in Mina
‘Umrah does not contain these rituals; although, other rituals are the same
The time taken is far greater for Hajj; the rituals for ‘Umrah may take just a few hours
Both pilgrimages bring benefits to the pilgrim
However, participating in the Hajj brings greater benefits than ‘Umrah
Muslims believe that, if performed correctly, it brings forgiveness of all sins
Worked Example
State two differences between Hajj and ‘Umrah
[2 marks]
Answer:
Hajj must be performed during Dhul-Hijjah; ‘Umrah can be done at any time [1 mark]
Hajj includes the stand at ‘Arafat; ‘Umrah does not [1 mark]
Examiner Tips and Tricks
A six-mark question on this topic may say:
Explain the difference between Hajj and ‘Umrah.
Use the lists above to practice your answer.
If there is an eight-mark evaluation question, it may be phrased like this:
Evaluate the significance of ‘Umrah for Muslims.
In this answer, you would be able to explain why ‘Umrah is significant and the benefits it brings, and you could compare it to the extra sacrifice in time and effort required in Hajj. You could also mention that it does not fulfil the requirement of the Five Pillars of Islam, while Hajj does.
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