for if we were to take its apparent wording, it would include someone who travels to Mecca for trade, for example. It is preferable, however, that every definition of an act of worship should mention worshipping Allah, mighty and majestic is He. Thus, regarding prayer, we do not merely say that it consists of specific, well-known words and actions; rather, we say that it is worshipping Allah through specific, well-known words and actions. The same applies to zakah and fasting.

Linguistically, Umrah means a visit. In Islamic law, it means worshipping Allah by circumambulating the House, going between Safa and Marwah, and shaving the head or shortening the hair.

His statement, “Both are obligatory,” means that each of them is obligatory. Yet the obligation of Umrah is not like that of Hajj, neither in its degree of emphasis nor in its general scope.

As for its degree of emphasis, Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam and is obligatory by the consensus of the Muslims. Umrah, however, is neither a pillar of Islam nor an obligation established by the consensus of the Muslims.

As for general scope, many scholars hold that Umrah is not obligatory for the people of Mecca. This was explicitly stated by Imam Ahmad, may Allah have mercy on him.

The scholars differed as to whether Umrah is obligatory or recommended. What appears correct is that it is obligatory, because the most authentic hadith that settles the dispute in this matter is the hadith of Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her. She said to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, “Are women required to undertake jihad?” He replied, “Yes, they are required to undertake a jihad”