ISLAMIC LIFE
Islamic Lifestyle
20 Nov 2009
DEEDS THAT EQUAL THE REWARD OF HAJJ
DEEDS THAT EQUAL THE REWARD OF HAJJ
Glad tidings to all those who are fortunate to have made the blessed trip to Hajj this year. May Allah reward them and grant them Hajj Mabroor (an accepted Hajj). But what about all of us left behind??? Are there any deeds we can do to gain the reward of Hajj. Alhamdulillah, YES. Allah has given us other great opportunities to gain the reward of Hajjj and although these deeds can never replace the Hajj itself, it shows how Allah’s mercy and kindness really is the greatest of blessings. There are several deeds regarding which the Prophet (SAW) has said that they equal the reward of Hajj.
Now that the Hujjaj have all departed, those who have been left behind can take consolation from the following Ahadith:
1. Umrah in Ramadhan:
Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘abbas (RA.) has reported that Rasulullah (SAW) passed by Ummu Sinan whils on his way to Hajj. “Why didn’t you accompany me for Hajj?” he enquired. She said: “We only have 2 camels, one my husband has used to be with you in Hajj, and the other is needed for transporting water.” Rasulullah (SAW) said: “An ‘Umrah in Ramadhan equals the reward of Hajj with me”. (Sahih Muslim)
2. Wudhu at home and then going for Salaat with Jamaat:
Sayyiduna Abu Umaamah (RA) reports that Rasulullah (SAW) said: “One who purifies himself (i.e, makes wudhu) and leaves his home to attend the fardh salaah in congregation receives the reward of a Hajji in the state of Ihram, And if he leaves for the salaatu-Dhuhaa (Chaast) he gets the reward of ‘Umrah.
(Abu Dawud)
3. Salatul Ishraaq:
Sayyiduna Anas Ibn Maalik (RA) reports that Rasulullah (SAW) said: “Whoever offers his Fajr salaah in congregation, and then remains seated making the dhikr (remembrance) of Allah until (approximately 15 mins after) sunrise after which he offers two rak’aats of salaah (Ishraaq), will receive the reward of one complete Hajj and one complete ‘Umrah”
(Sunan Tirmidhi with a sound chain)
4. Going to the Masjid to acquire knowledge.
Sayyiduna Abu Umaamah (RA) reports that Rasulullah (SAW) said: “Whoever goels to the Masjid for the purpose of learning or teaching Knowlldge, receives the reward of a Hajji whose ahj was perfect.
(Tabarani with a sound chain)
5. Serving one’s parents:
Sayyiduna Anas (RA) reports that a man came to Rasulullah (SAW) and said: “I wish to participate in Jihaad, but I cannot afford it” Rasulullah (SAW) enquird if any of his parents were alive, to which he said: “Yes! My mother is alive” Rasulullah (SAW) said: “Show Allah how your serve her. Of you do so (properly) you will be like a: Haaji, a Mu’tamir (one doing ‘Umrah) and a Mujaahid (One striving in Allah’s way).”
(Abu Ya’la and Tabarani with good chains.-Targheeb, vol.3, pg. 315)
The promise of “gaining the same reward as Hajj” that are mentioned in the above Ahadith, is restricted to the reward only. It does not mean that one upon whom Hajj is obligatory, can merely suffice on these deeds. (Sharh-Nawawi ‘ala muslim & Fathul Mulhim, vol.6, pg.123)
Imam Tirmidhi (RA) has quoted Imaam Is-haq Ibn Rahuyah as saying that this reward should be understood in the light of the hadith that explains surah ikhlaas to be equal to one third of the Quraan,. (ibid) i.e, one who recites it will receive the reward of reciting one third, but that does not mean he physically did so. Furthermore, by reciting Surah Ikhlas thrice, one does not become a haafidh of the entire Quran..!
The purpose here is not to discourage one from the actual Hajj. (That is why it is being circulated now, whilst all Hajjis have departed) Like they say: “There’s nothing like the real thing..”
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Muhammad Ibn Ml Haroon Abasoomer