What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?

Hajj is the annual pilgrimage that takes place during specific dates in the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah and is obligatory once in a lifetime for every able Muslim. It involves additional rituals over several days including time at Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, involves fewer rituals (Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and hair cutting), and is not obligatory but highly recommended. Both are deeply spiritual journeys to Makkah.