Are you thinking of performing ‘Umrah? The best time to fulfil this blessed journey is in the holy month of Ramadan. Twenty-three companions have reported hadiths that indicate that performing ‘Umrah in Ramadan is equal to Hajj in reward, or a Hajj performed with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) himself!
Hadith 1
‘Ataa reported: I heard Ibn Abbas narrating to us that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said to a woman of the Ansar: “What has prevented you from performing Hajj along with us?’ She said: ‘We have only two camels for carrying water. One of the camels has been taken by my husband and my son for performing Hajj and one has been left for us for carrying water’, whereupon he (the Prophet) said: ‘So when the month of Ramadan come, perform ‘Umrah, for ‘Umrah in this (month) is equal to Hajj (in reward).’ (Narrated by Al-Bukhari in his “Sahih” (1782) and Muslim in his “Sahih” (1255b), in the chapter, “The virtue of the Umrah performed during Ramadan”).
In another report, “Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj along with me.” (Narrated by Muslim in his “Sahih” 1256)
Hadith 2
It has been reported on the authority of several companions that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Umrah during Ramadan is equal to Hajj (in reward).”
On the authority of Umm Ma’qil: Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi (939) in the chapter ‘What Has Been Related About ‘Umrah During Ramadan’, Abu Dawud (1988) and Ahmad (27291). Classed as Sahih by Al-Suyuti in “Al-Jami’ Al-Saghir” (5595).
On the authority of Abu Ma’qil: Narrated by Ibn Majah (2993) and Al-Nasa’i in “Al-Sunan Al-Kubra” (4228). Classed as Hasan by Al-Mudhiri in Al-Targhib (2/177).
On the authority of Jabir: Narrated by Ibn Majah (2995) with an authentic chain.
On the authority of Wahb bin Khanbash: Narrated by Al-Nasa’i in “Al-Sunan Al-Kubra” (4225), Ibn Majah (2991) and Ahmad (17599). Classed as Sahih by Al-Albani in “Sahih Ibn Majah” (2440).
Hadith 3
Yusuf ibn Abdullah ibn Salam reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to a man from the Ansar and his wife:
“Perform ‘Umrah in Ramadan, for indeed, an ‘Umrah during Ramadan is equivalent to a pilgrimage for both of you.”
(Narrated by Al-Nasa’i in “Al-Sunan Al-Kubra” (4224) and Ahmad in “Al-Musnad” (16406). Classed as Sahih by Shuaib Al-Arnaout in “Al-Musnad” (16406)).
Hadith 4
Narrated by Abu Taliq, he said: “The mother of Taliq asked me to get her a camel for Hajj. So, I went to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said, ‘She sends you greetings and asks, What is the equivalent of Hajj with you?’ and he said: ‘Greet her on my behalf and inform her that ‘Umrah during Ramadan is equivalent to performing Hajj.'”
(Narrated by Ibn Abi ‘Asim (2710), Al-Tahawi in “Ahkam Al-Qur’an” (779) and Al-Tabarani in “Al-Mu’jam Al-Kabir” 22/324 (816), 25/173 (425). Authenticated by Ibn Hajar and al-Mundhiri in “Al-Targheeb” (2/177)).
Meaning
The meaning of the hadiths is that performing ‘Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj in reward, but it does not mean that it takes the place of the obligatory Hajj. Furthermore, there is evidence in these hadiths that good deeds performed during Ramadan are multiplied in reward.
Ibn Battal said: “The reward for performing ‘Umrah in Ramadan is equal to the reward of Hajj, but it does not substitute for fulfilling the obligatory Hajj.”
Ibn al-Jawzi said: “The reward for work increases depending on the time (i.e. month of the year), just as it increases with the presence of the heart and sincerity of intention.”
Ibn Abd al-Barr mentioned: “This hadith is authentic and well-known. In it, there is a jurisprudential aspect that during the month of Ramadan, righteous deeds are multiplied. This serves as evidence of its great virtue.”
An indication of the generosity of Allah (The Most High)
This is from the grace of Allah Almighty and His blessings upon His servants. ‘Umrah has become like Hajj in reward with Ramadan joining it, and Allah Almighty is a Bestower of blessings, who bestows what He wills whatever He wills to whomever He wills, there is no restriction to His bounty.
A practice of the righteous predecessors
It was the practice of the believers throughout the ages, from the companions (sahabah), followers (tabi’een), scholars (‘ulema) and righteous people (saliheen) to perform ‘Umrah in the month of Ramadan in order to obtain the reward mentioned by the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) in the aforementioned hadiths.
It has been reported that the famous hadith narrator and one of the Seven Jurists of Madinah, Abu Bakr ibn Abdul Rahman Al-Makhzumi (d. 94 AH), did not perform used to perform ‘Umrah except in the last ten days of Ramadan until he returned to Allah, the Almighty. (Narrated by Ibn Abi ‘Asim).
The best ‘Umrah
The best time to perform ‘Umrah is the month of Ramadan, based on the words of the Prophet (ﷺ): “An ‘Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to a Hajj,” and we know from the hadith “The accepted Hajj has no reward except Paradise.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari (1773)).
Additionally, the virtue of praying in the Sacred Mosque was mentioned in the saying of the Prophet (ﷺ): “One prayer in my mosque is better than one thousand prayers elsewhere, except Masjid al-Haram, and one prayer in Masjid al-Haram is better than one hundred thousand prayers elsewhere.” (Narrated by Ibn Majah (1406) with an authentic isnad). Imagine praying in Masjid al-Haram in the month of Ramadan, in which good deeds are multiplied many times!
In conclusion, whoever does ‘Umrah in the month of Ramadan will be performing one of the best deeds in Islam (i.e. pilgrimage), in the best place on earth (Masjid al-Haram) at the best time of the year (i.e. the month of Ramadan). Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
And Allah is the Source of Strength.
