Umrah refers to a simpler form of Hajj to the holy city of Makkah. It's a recommended practise, or Sunnah, but it's not mandatory (traditions and practises of the Prophet). Every Muslim should do this because it is a form of worship to Allah and provides great benefit to their faith. Every year, millions of people make the trek in the hopes of receiving forgiveness and reinvigorating their faith. People perform Umrah in the hope that it will wash away their sins, and it can be done whenever it is most convenient for them. The Umrah is performed prior to the start of the Hajj. Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage, is not obligatory but rather recommended by Sunnah (custom and practise of the Prophet). Still, it is a holy act to pray to Allah for His favour and mercy. Umrah packages UK sees tens of thousands of Muslims on their way to Mecca every year.

Types of Umrah:

Umrah pilgrimages generally fall into two categories: those that must be completed after Hajj, and those that can be completed at any time. In this article, we'll compare and contrast the two to see how they vary.

It is recommended that Umrah al-Mufradah be performed during the months of Ramadan and Rajab.

However, you can only perform Umrah al Tammatu in conjunction with the Hajj. The timing, rituals, and benefits of these two types of Umrah are distinct from one another.

• Umrah-ul-Mufradah

• Umrah-al-Tammatu

Umrah ul-Mufradah – the independent pilgrimage

The Hajj is distinct from the Umrah-ul-Mufradah. As a voluntary pilgrimage, it can only be performed outside of the Hajj period. This Umrah can be done at any time, even during the holy month of Ramadan. However, Umrah Mufradah is most commonly performed in the month of Rajab.

Umrah-ul-Mufradah Rules & Guideline

Umrah Mufradah can be performed solo or with a small group of companions. Before the public Hajj rituals begin, this private ritual must be performed.

Even if you can only make Umrah Mufradah on rare occasions, you are still obligated to perform it. If a Muslim cannot afford to make the Hajj, which must be done at least once in his or her lifetime, then he or she must perform the Umrah-e-Mufradah as a substitute.

In the months prior to performing Umrah al-Tammatu, it is acceptable to perform Umrah al-Mufradah.

It is forbidden to perform Umrah al-Mufradah twice in the same lunar month according to the Islamic calendar. Time intervals between subsequent Umrah al-Mufradah pilgrimages have not been specified.

You can perform Umrah al-Mufradah twice in a lunar month if the first one is for yourself and the second one is on behalf of someone else. The sacrificial acts of Ihram, Tawaf, Namaz-e-Tawaf, Saee, Taqseer, Tawaf-un-Nisa, and Namaz-e-Tawaf-un-Nisa must all be carried out in order to complete Umrah Mufrada.

Umrah-al-Tammatu – the obligatory pilgrimage

This Umrah is performed in conjunction with Hajj during the month of Zil-Hajj. Only prior to the start of the Hajj ceremonies is this possible. Most Muslims find it more convenient to perform both the Hajj and the Umrah in the same month or at the same time rather than having to plan two separate trips.

Umrah-al-Tammatu Rules & Guidelines

• Umrah-al-Tammatu can only be performed on the Hajj days, which occur during the months of Shawwal, Dhul Qada, and Dhul Hijja.

• The Umrah-al-Tammatu must be performed in the company of other Hajj pilgrims.

• Umrah Tamattu is not required for people who already live in Makkah, and visitors must complete both the Hajj and Umrah before leaving the Holy City.

• Umrah Tamattu rites include: Ihram, Tawaf, the prayer at the end of Tawaf, sa'i, and taqsir.

• Pilgrims performing Umrah Tamattu are not required to perform Tawaf an-nisa, though they are encouraged to do so if they feel safe doing so.

• In Umrah Tamattu, halq (head shaving) cannot be substituted for taqsir (hair cutting).

Although Umrah al Mufradah and Umrah al Tammatu share many similarities, the latter is performed in a group setting and booked from Hajj umrah travel agency. Umrah al Mufradah entails donning Ihram at Meeqat, performing Tawaf, praying twice, drinking Zamzam water, and performing Sai. Umrah al Tammatu pilgrims are encouraged to practise taqsir rather than halq, even though shaven heads are required as part of the Hajj ritual.