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Secure your rewards
29th July 2020
Image credit: Instagram- edges_amjad
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. It is mandatory for every Muslim to perform Hajj once in their lifetime if they can afford it. The reward for an accepted Hajj is beautiful and powerful:
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “The performance of Umrah is expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous ones. And the reward of Hajj Mabrur (pilgrimage accepted by Allah) is nothing but Paradise.” (Bukhari)
“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.” (Al-Bukhari)
The benefits of Hajj as listed in these ahadith are the promise of Paradise and the forgiveness of all your sins, so that you are as free of sins as the day you were born. While we have to wait until the hereafter to go to Paradise, we can reap the second reward of Hajj in this life – the forgiveness of all the sins we have amounted so far.
While Hajj is a physical journey, its essence is a deep spiritual awakening. For those unable to travel, Allah (SWT) in His infinite Mercy has provided other paths to reach that same state of grace. By performing specific good deeds in Islam with sincere intention, a believer can mirror the spiritual purification of a pilgrim and reap the same immense rewards right from home. Here are six ways to seek those blessings:
Anas ibn Maalik (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Whoever prays Fajr in congregation, then sits remembering Allah until the sun rises, then prays two rak’ahs, will have a reward like that of Hajj and Umrah.” He said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “In full, in full, in full.” (Tirmidhi)
Some scholars have also mentioned that a woman may pray in her home and do the same thing mentioned in the hadith to get the same or a similar reward.
It’s tempting to pray Fajr and then jump back into bed, but staying a few moments longer to do dhikr while waiting for salatul Ishraq (sunrise prayer) will earn us the incredible reward of Hajj and Umrah.
The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever performs ablution in his house and then goes out to perform the obligatory prayer in the mosque has a reward similar to the reward of a Hajj pilgrim. Whoever goes out to perform the [non-obligatory] mid-morning prayer (Duha) has a reward similar to the reward of the one performing Umrah.” (Abu Dawud)
In another hadith, Abu Dharr (RA) narrated that a group of the Companions came to the Prophet (PBUH) and said, “O Messenger of Allah, the wealthy people will have higher grades and will have permanent enjoyment, and they pray like us and fast as we do. They have more money, which they give in charity.”
The Prophet (PBUH) replied: “Has Allah not rendered for you the ‘Isha prayer in congregation equal to Hajj, and the Fajr prayer in congregation equal to ‘Umrah?” (Muslim)
SubhanAllah, no matter our means, Allah has provided us with ways to easily seek his mercy.
Read our guide on Hajj versus Umrah to learn more.
A Sahabi by the name of Sa`id bin al-Musayyib reported that performing the Friday Prayer is “more beloved to me than a Nafl (supererogatory) Hajj.”
Only Allah knows the exact reward for Friday prayer, but the fact that it was more beloved to a companion of the Prophet (PBUH) than performing an extra Hajj speaks volumes about its importance.
The Companion Mikhnaf ibn Sulaym (RA) said, “The reward for attending Eid Al-Fitr prayer is equal to the reward of performing ‘Umrah and the reward for attending Eid Al-Adha Prayer is equal to that of performing Hajj.” (Lata’if al-Ma’arif)
Eid Al-Adha is around the corner! Make sure that you attend Eid prayer and set your intention to reap the reward of Hajj. Tell your whole family too!
Abu Umamah (RA) reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “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 when we hear of a class taking place in our local masjid, we may feel like it’s not necessary, or that we don’t need the lesson. But the reward for seeking knowledge doesn’t depend on what you already know, but on the desire to learn. Make the most of any opportunity to learn at the mosque, and, inshaAllah, you’ll gain the reward of Hajj.
The Messenger (PBUH) commanded one of the Companions to be good to his mother. If you do so, he said, “You are a Hajj pilgrim, a person performing `Umrah and someone striving for the sake of Allah (mujahid).”
Parents – and especially mothers – undoubtedly have a very high rank in Islam. To serve them and be good to them can earn one the reward of Hajj. How generous is Allah (SWT), who has placed opportunities for us everywhere to earn His forgiveness!
The 7th-century scholar, Hasan al-Basri (Allah have mercy on him), said, “Going to fulfil the need of your brother is better for you than performing Hajj after Hajj.”
What an underestimated act of goodness! We often think of worship as something strictly between us and Allah, but worship is also the things we do for Allah’s creation for the sake of Allah.
While we strive to perform good deeds in Islam that carry the weight of pilgrimage, it helps to understand the magnitude of what Hajj actually achieves for the soul. The rewards aren’t just numbers on a scale, they’re a total spiritual reset.
Here is what the Prophet (PBUH) promised for an accepted Hajj:
A completely clean slate: He said a person comes back as pure as the day they were born. It’s the chance to leave every heavy mistake and regret behind and start over with a fresh heart.
The guarantee of Jannah: The Hadith tells us that for Hajj Mabrur (an accepted pilgrimage), the only fit reward is Paradise.
A cure for spiritual poverty: Hajj doesn't just fix our hereafter, it fixes our hearts here. It washes away the feeling of being "spiritually broken" and replaces it with a deep sense of being a guest of the Most Merciful.
Answering the invitation: There is a unique honour in being "called" by Allah. When you seek these rewards at home, you’re essentially saying, "Ya Allah, I couldn't make the trip, but I am still answering Your call with my actions."
May Allah subhana wa ta’ala allow us to take advantage of this blessed month of Dhul Hijjah and the beautiful opportunities that He has created for reward and mercy.
Give your Qurbani today and share the blessings of Eid with those in need. It is a beautiful way to honour the sunnah, purify our wealth, and earn the rewards of these ten best days.
May Allah forgive us, elevate our ranks in the heavens, and grant us all the reward of an accepted Hajj one day. Ameen.
While the five pillars are foundational, the most rewarding deeds are those done with the purest sincerity (Ikhlas), specifically fulfilling the rights of others and maintaining consistency in our daily prayers and dhikr.
Prioritisation begins with fulfilling your obligatory (Fard) duties first, then drawing closer to Allah through the voluntary actions that most benefit your character and the people around you.
Hajj is the sacred annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah, a journey of deep repentance and physical devotion that every Muslim is called to perform at least once in their lifetime.
Hajj is mandatory for every adult Muslim who is mentally sound and possesses the physical health and financial means to undertake the journey without causing hardship to their dependents.
Qurbani
Hajj is a very important pilgrimage, taking place over several days. It can be hard to plan and prepare for all of it, so here's a guide to help you manage everything as best you can.
Qurbani
Hajj is a rite of sacrifice, submission, and humility before Allah, an act of devoted worship that purifies us. It is a significant pilgrimage that takes place over several days and requires careful planning and preparation. Get tips and insights for your Hajj journey in our comprehensive guide.
Qurbani
The Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca is a life-changing experience. This resource is a Hajj and Umrah guide and gives you some advice regarding Hajj for kids.
