Quranic verses, which mean signs or indications, are the sentences that Allah SWT has revealed in the Holy Quran as His words. These are found in various chapters (Surahs) of the Holy Quran, and each chapter contains a unique number of verses. There are verses in the Quran that are quite short and those that are quite long. Every verse is the message or advice of Allah SWT, just like both the Hajj and Umrah are referenced in the Holy Quran.
According to the Quranic verses, both journeys are the message of Allah SWT for Muslims. Hajj and Umrah are actually pilgrimages to Makkah. Hajj is an obligatory worship which is performed only once every year in the month of Dhul Hijjah. While Umrah is also a worship done in Makkah, it can be performed at any time of the year except during the Hajj days.
Let’s see what other messages and commands the Quranic verses give about both pilgrimages!
Surah Al-Hajj (22:27) – The Call to Hajj
The Quran says:
“Call all people to the pilgrimage. They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel from every distant path.”
The verse actually reflects the time when Prophet Ibrahim (علیہ السلام) built the Holy Kaaba by the command of Allah SWT, then Allah SWT ordered Him to call the people for Hajj. Prophet Ibrahim (علیہ السلام) only gave an invitation, and Allah SWT spread that invitation to the hearts of people. This means the verse proves that Hajj is not just for Arabs or any particular community, but for all humanity who believe in Allah SWT and Islam.
Hence, Allah SWT, through His power, makes the voice of Prophet Ibrahim (علیہ السلام) alive till the Day of Judgement. That’s why when Muslims perform Hajj, they say “Labbaik”, which is the answer to the invitation of Prophet Ibrahim (علیہ السلام).
Surah Al-Imran (3:97) – The Declaration of Hajj Obligation
The verse mentioned above only explains the foundation of Hajj; the obligatory order was later given in Surah Al-Imran. This is:
“Pilgrimage to this House is an obligation by Allah upon whoever is able among the people. And whoever disbelieves, then surely Allah is not in need of any of his creation.”
The 97th verse of Surah Al-Imran is the biggest proof of the Hajj obligation. Also, the verse is showing that Hajj is a universal worship. If a Muslim refuses to perform Hajj (if able), he commits disbelief, and Allah SWT doesn’t need him.
The most important word of this verse is “able”, which means Hajj is obligatory for those who have financial resources and maintain physical health for travel and worship. This also means, according to Islamic scholars, if a Muslim can reach the Makkah for pilgrimage even by walking and provide himself with the necessary conditions, then Hajj is obligatory on him.
Performing Hajj doesn’t benefit Allah SWT; it’s a means of mercy and forgiveness of sins for Muslims. Remember that Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, which is the main reason for its importance and significance.
Note: This time, Hajj 2026 is coming on Sunday (May 24) and the rituals of this annual pilgrimage will end on Friday (May 29). This is not the final date due to a difference of one or two days in the lunar calendar.
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:196) – The Command to Fulfill Hajj and Umrah
The Quran is a light (Noor) in itself that gives instructions to Muslims for every aspect of life. Similarly, it also provides regulations for Hajj and Umrah. Allah SWT has commanded in Surah Al-Baqarah that when an individual wants to perform Hajj or Umrah, he or she should complete it only in the name of Allah SWT.
Complete the pilgrimage and minor pilgrimage (Umrah) for Allah.
This means you are not allowed to perform pilgrimage for show off, worldly gains, or for profit, but only for the pleasure of Allah SWT. Whatever the ritual of this worship is, it’s not permissible to leave it halfway or midway. You must complete each step, such as Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’ee, staying in Mina, Muzdalifah, Sacrifice, Rami, and Halq/Taqsir, for performing Hajj and Umrah. If someone is unable to complete them due to illness or obstruction, they can give Fidyah or charity.
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:125) – Kaaba as the Centre of Worship
And remember when we made the Sacred House a centre and a sanctuary for the people and security. And take the standing place of Abraham as a site of prayer. And We entrusted Abraham and Ismael to purify My House for those who circle it, who meditate in it, and who bow and prostrate in prayers.
This verse explains some objectives of Hajj and Umrah, such as the Kaaba being the centre of Tawaf, praying at Maqam-e-Ibrahim, and keeping the Kaaba pure. It also states that the House of Allah SWT is a place of peace, where shedding someone’s blood or fighting is forbidden. Allah SWT made the Kaaba a place of asking or referring (Mathaba).
The clearest command of this Quranic verse is the order of offering prayer at Maqam-e-Ibrahim, which is part of Hajj and Umrah. Actually, Maqam-e-Ibrahim is a place where Ibrahim (علیہ السلام) used to stand while building the Holy Kaaba.
Therefore, performing Hajj and Umrah are not just a combination of rituals, but spiritual journeys which bring the message of Allah’s SWT oneness, purity, and peace.
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:158) – The Obligation of Sa’ee in Hajj and Umrah
Sa’ee, walking between Safa and Marwah, is among the rituals of Hajj and Umrah. This is also mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah:
Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes the major or minor pilgrimage to the Sacred House, let them walk between both hills.
The Sa’ee ritual is performed during pilgrimage in memory of the patience and steadfastness of Hajirah (علیہ السلام), when she ran between Safa and Marwah seven times in search of water. It’s clearly stated in the Quran that performing Sa’ee is obligatory for pilgrims of Hajj and Umrah.
One should keep in mind that in this case, the Quran does not explicitly order Hajj or Umrah, but only describes a ritual (Sa’ee). This is, therefore, Allah’s SWT order in the light of the Quranic verse. This Hajj or Umrah ceremony will not be complete without Sa’ee. Being a pilgrim, you can recite certain Duas and also Tasbih of Allah SWT while performing Sa’ee.
To sum up, Quran verses refer to Hajj and Umrah not only as a worship but as a responsibility and a journey of faith to Allah SWT. It also describes the etiquette, rules, and spiritual benefits of major and minor pilgrimage.
