The blessed group of Muslims is setting out from all over the world towards the House of Allah (Kaaba) to perform Hajj, which is the fifth major pillar of Islam. Surely, this is a beautiful and admirable journey – one that every true believer longs for.
However, there are many Muslims who, due to illness, financial struggle, or other difficult circumstances, are unable to perform Hajj and miss out on this great honor. These people should not lose hope in Allah’s mercy.
Instead, they should continue to sincerely pray to Allah for the means and ability to perform Hajj in the future. At the same time, they should remember that the beauty of Islam is that it offers alternate ways to earn the reward of great deeds, even for those who are unable to perform them directly.
One of these opportunities is to gain the reward of Hajj through other good actions. So if you are unable to go for Hajj this year because of limited resources or other reasons, at least try not to miss out on its reward.
Indeed, the fact that Allah has made the reward so wide-reaching and accessible is a sign of His mercy, His great favor, and kindness to us. And this mercy calls us to make the most of the chances He has given.
What is the Reward for Performing Hajj?
Before we discuss the actions that are equal to Hajj in reward, we would like to briefly explain the reward obtained from Hajj. The virtues mentioned in the Hadith can be summarized in the following points:
- Hajj is an important pillar of Islam, whose performance is obligatory once in a lifetime for those who are able. 1
- Hajis are special guests of Allah Almighty. 2
- Performing Hajj forgives sins committed throughout one’s life. A Haji becomes as pure from sins as on the day his mother gave birth to him. 3
- The reward for an accepted Hajj is Paradise. 4
- Performing Hajj removes poverty and need, along with sins. 5
- For every step taken by a Haji, Allah Almighty increases his reward, elevates his status, and forgives his sins. 6
7. Performing Hajj is considered a debt to Allah Almighty. If a person is obligated to perform Hajj but couldn’t, this obligation will be fulfilled on his behalf. 7
Actions Equivalent to Hajj in Reward
In light of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ sayings, here are some actions that are equal to Hajj in reward. These are truly a wonderful gift for those deprived of the great blessing of Hajj!
- The Reward of Hajj by Sincerely Desiring It: Many Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ prove that if a person has a firm intention to perform a good deed but is unable to do so due to illness or any legitimate religious excuse, he receives the reward based on his intention. For example, when the Prophet ﷺ returned from the Battle of Tabuk and approached Madinah, he said to the companions: “There are indeed some people in Madinah who, even while staying in Madinah, were with you everywhere.” The people asked in surprise, “O Messenger of Allah! Were they with us even while staying in Madinah?” He replied, “Yes! They were left behind due to an excuse.” 8
In another narration, the Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever intends to perform Tahajjud (night prayer) while lying on his bed, but sleep overwhelms him and he doesn’t wake up until morning, then what he intended is written for him. And the sleep that overtook him is charity from Allah Almighty.” 9
Other such narrations prove that due to a servant’s sincere intention, Allah Almighty bestows reward even if the action could not be performed.
2.Staying in the Mosque After Fajr Prayer Until Sunrise and Performing Two Rak’ahs:
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever prays Fajr in congregation, then remains engaged in the remembrance of Allah until the sun rises, then prays two Rak’ahs, for him is a complete reward like that of Hajj and Umrah.” 10
3. Walking to the Mosque for Congregational Obligatory Prayers: The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever goes out to perform an obligatory prayer in congregation, his reward is equal to that of Hajj. And whoever goes out for a supererogatory prayer, he gets the reward of Umrah.” 11
4. Attending knowledge circles in Mosques: The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever goes to the mosque to acquire knowledge or to teach knowledge, he gets a complete reward like that of Hajj.” 12
5. Performing Dhikr After Prayers: This action grants the reward of Hajj, Umrah, Jihad, and charity. As narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رَضِيَ ٱللّٰهُ عَنْهُ, he said: “Some poor people came to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and said, “The rich people have taken all the high ranks and the rewards of Paradise. They pray just like we do, they fast just like we do, but because they have wealth, they are able to do more. They go for Hajj and Umrah, they fight in battles, and they give charity – all things we can’t afford to do because we are poor.”
The Prophet ﷺ replied,
“Shall I tell you something that, if you do it regularly, you will catch up with those who are ahead of you? And no one will be better than you – except those who also do the same?”
He (Peace be upon him) continued, “After every prayer, say Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah) 33 times, Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah) 33 times, and Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) 33 times.”
Later, some people disagreed – some said we should say “Allahu Akbar” 34 times instead. So, I went back and asked the Prophet ﷺ again. He replied: “Say Subhan Allah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar – each of them 33 times after every prayer.”13
- Being Kind to Parents: A man came to the Prophet ﷺ and said, “I wish to perform Jihad, but do not have the strength for it.” The Prophet ﷺasked, “Are any of your parents alive?” He replied, “Yes, my mother is alive.” So, the Prophet ﷺ said, “Go and serve her; you will be called a Haji, a Mu’tamir (one who performs Umrah), and a Mujahid.” 14
- Performing Umrah in Ramadan: The Prophet ﷺsaid: “An Umrah performed in Ramadan is equal to Hajj. Or (he said) it is equal to Hajj performed with me.” 15
8. Assisting Pilgrims and Taking Care of Their Families:
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever equips a Mujahid for Jihad, or helps a Haji, or looks after his family after he has gone for Hajj, or feeds a fasting person for breaking his fast, he will be given a reward similar to theirs, and their reward will not be diminished in any way.” 16
May Allah Almighty grant us the ability to act upon these deeds. Ameen.
References:
1. (Surah Aal Imran, Ayah: 97, Sahih Muslim: 1337)
2.(Sunan Ibn Majah: 2893)
3.(Sunan Ibn Majah: 2889)
4.(Sunan Ibn Majah: 2888)
5.(Sunan Nasai: 2631)
6.(Sahih Al-Jami: 5596)
7.(Sunan Nasai: 2640)
8.(Sahih Bukhari: 4423)
9.(Sunan Ibn Majah: 1344)
10.(Sunan Tirmidhi: 586)
11.(Sunan Ibn Majah: 1412)
12.(Sahih Al-Targhib: 86)
13.(Sahih Bukhari 843)
14.(Musnad Abi Ya’la: 2760, Isnaduhu Jayyid)
15.(Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)
16(Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah: 2064)
