Saudi Bus Tragedy Puts Spotlight On Umrah: What The Pilgrimage Means, How It Differs from Haj

Last Updated:November 17, 2025, 12:23 IST

Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims undertake to perform religious rituals and it’s sometimes referred to as “minor pilgrimage” in contrast to the more comprehensive Haj

Umrah is optional (a Sunnah), and not obligatory for all Muslims. Unlike Haj, it can be performed any time of the year. (AP)

Forty-two Indians are feared dead after a bus carrying pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker in Saudi Arabia while traveling from Mecca to Medina on Monday. A majority of the victims were from Hyderabad, including several women and children, with reports saying the fire began at around 1.30am while most passengers were asleep, leading to the high casualty figure.

The Consulate of India in Jeddah has announced the setup of a 24×7 control room. Families and concerned parties can reach the helpline at the toll-free number 8002440003.

The devastating bus crash has brought renewed attention to the journey of Umrah.

What is Umrah?

Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims undertake to perform a set of religious rituals. It’s sometimes referred to as the “minor pilgrimage" in contrast to the more comprehensive Haj. Umrah is optional (a Sunnah), and not obligatory for all Muslims. Unlike Haj, it can be performed any time of the year, making it more accessible to pilgrims.

According to Islamic scholars, Umrah provides a powerful way for believers to purify their hearts, seek forgiveness, and draw closer to Allah. The journey is seen as a chance for personal reflection and redemption and according to some traditions, the sins committed between two Umrahs can be forgiven when the pilgrimage is completed.

How Is Umrah Performed?

The rituals begin with Ihram: Before entering the sacred precinct, pilgrims make a niyyah (intention) for Umrah and enter Ihram, a state of ritual purity. Pilgrims wear special garments (for men, two simple white cloths; for women, modest dress) and must abstain from certain actions (like using perfume or cutting hair).

Tawaf: After reaching Masjid al-Haram, pilgrims perform Tawaf, walking seven circuits around the Ka’aba in anti-clockwise direction. They may also pray near the Maqām Ibrāhīm and drink from the Zamzam well.

Sa’i: Pilgrims walk or run seven times between the hills of Safā and Marwa, re-enacting Hagar’s desperate search for water.

Halq/Taqsir: To complete the pilgrimage, men either shave their heads (halq) or trim their hair (taqsir); women typically cut a small portion. This symbolises spiritual renewal and humility.

What Is The Difference Between Umrah And Haj?

While Umrah is voluntary (Sunnah), Haj is mandatory for those who can afford it (one of the Five Pillars). Umrah can be done any time during the year but Haj takes place on specific days in Dhul-Hijjah (the 12th Islamic month). Comparing the duration and complexity, Umrah lasts for typically a few hours and has a simple set of rituals, while Haj takes several days and includes many more rites (Arafat, Mina, Muzdalifah, stoning).

News explainers Saudi Bus Tragedy Puts Spotlight On Umrah: What The Pilgrimage Means, How It Differs from Haj

Read More