The reward for the Hajj:
The Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. Every Muslim must perform the Hajj at least once in their lives, assuming they have the means to do so. The Reward for a successful Hajj is magnificent and potent:
Several hadiths (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) highlight the immense spiritual and worldly benefits of performing Hajj. Here are a few hadiths about the rewards of Hajj:
- The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or transgression will return (free from sins) as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
- In another hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The performance of Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous ones. And the reward of Hajj Mabrur (i.e., one accepted) is nothing but Paradise." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
- The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Anyone who puts on Ihram for Hajj or Umrah, then does not have sexual relations, nor commits sin, nor disputes unjustly (during Hajj), then he will come out as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
According to these ahadith, the reward for performing the Hajj is the promise of Paradise and the remission of all your sins, making you as sin-free as the day you were born. While we must wait until after death to enter Paradise, we can benefit from Hajj's second benefit in this life: the forgiveness of all previous sins.
Due to the high cost of doing Hajj, which is why it is only required of those who can afford it, there have always been people who are unable to do so. Alhamdulillah, several deeds have the same reward as the Hajj, proving that Islam is not merely a religion for the wealthy.
Seven excellent deeds that are equivalent to the Hajj include:
1. Saying the Eid Prayers:
According to the Companion Mikhnaf ibn Sulaym (RA), "The reward for attending Eid Al-Fitr prayer is equal to that of performing 'Umrah, and the reward for attending Eid Al-Adha prayer is equal to that of performing Hajj." (Latif al-Ma'arif)
Eid Al-Adha is quickly approaching! Aim to receive the benefits of performing the Hajj by attending the Eid prayer in safety. Tell your entire family as well!
2. Saying the Friday Prayer:
According to Sa'id bin al-Musayyib, a Sahabi, the Friday Prayer is "more beloved to me than a Nafl (supererogatory) Hajj."
Only Allah knows the precise reward for Friday prayer, yet it is clear how significant it is when one of the companions of the Prophet (PBUH) preferred it over making an additional Hajj.
3. Going to the Masjid for Prayer Together:
The Prophet (PBUH) declared: "Whoever makes ablution in his home and then leaves to offer the required prayer in the mosque will receive a reward like that of a Hajj pilgrim. A reward comparable to that of someone who performs Umrah is given to everyone who goes outside to offer the [non-required] mid-morning prayer (Duha)". (Abdul Dawud)
According to another hadith related by Abu Dharr (RA), a group of Companions approached the Prophet (PBUH) and stated, "O Messenger of Allah, the wealthy people will have higher ranks and will have perpetual enjoyment and they pray like us and fast as we do. They give to charities because they have more money." "Has Allah not rendered for you the 'Isha prayer in congregation equal to Hajj, and the Fajr prayer in congregation equal to 'Umrah?" the Prophet (PBUH) retorted. (Muslim)
No matter our financial situation, Allah has given us tools to quickly request his mercy.
4. From Fajr to Sunrise, Remember Allah:
The Prophet of Allah (PBUH) is believed to have said: "Whoever prays Fajr in the congregation, then sits in remembrance of Allah until the sun rises, then prays two rak'ahs, will have a reward like that of Hajj and Umrah." He used the words of the Prophet of Allah (PBUH): "In full, in full, in full." (Tirmidhi)
According to some scholars, a woman can perform the same actions as those listed in the hadith while praying at home and will receive the same or a similar reward. Fajr prayer is enticing, but if we wait a few extra minutes to perform dhikr before salatul Ishraq (sunrise prayer), we shall be rewarded with the incredible benefits of Hajj and Umrah.
5. Helping your Muslim Sibling or Brother with their Needs:
Hasan al-Basri, a scholar who lived in the seventh century, (may Allah have compassion on him), stated, "Going to meet your brother's need is better for you than performing Hajj after Hajj."
What a kind deed that goes unnoticed! Worship includes the actions we take for the benefit of Allah's creation. We frequently mistake worship for being solely something we do for Allah. So many people are having difficulty getting access to food, healthcare, and safety this Dhul Hijjah. Donate your Qurbani to support our long-term transformational initiatives that give local people access to clean water, healthcare, and education while also assisting us in the fight against malnutrition.
6. Respecting your Parents:
One of the Companions was instructed by the Messenger (PBUH) to treat his mother well. In that case, he declared, "You are a Hajj pilgrim, a person performing 'Umrah, and someone striving for the sake of Allah (mujahid)."
In Islam, parents—and mothers in particular—hold a very high status. One can receive the Hajj reward by helping them and being kind to them. How kind Allah (SWT) is to provide opportunities for us to earn His pardon everywhere!
7. Educating and teaching at the mosque:
The Prophet (PBUH) is quoted by Abu Umamah (RA) as saying, "Whoever goes to the mosque not desiring except to learn or teach what is good has the reward of a pilgrim who completed his Hajj." (Tabarani)
Sometimes we may think that a class is unnecessary or that we don't require the lesson when we hear that it is being held in our neighborhood mosque. However, the incentive for learning depends less on what you currently know and more on your willingness to learn. Insha'Allah, if you take advantage of every chance to study at the mosque, you'll reap the benefits of performing the Hajj.