Performing Hajj and Umrah are profound acts of worship in Islam, reflecting a Muslim’s devotion and submission to Allah (SWT). However, not everyone has the means or opportunity to undertake these sacred pilgrimages. The good news is that there are numerous other deeds in Islam that carry rewards equivalent to Hajj and Umrah. Here are 12 such deeds that can help you earn immense blessings:
1. Remembering Allah from Fajr to Sunrise
Anas ibn Maalik (RA) reported that the Prophet (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 added, “In full, in full, in full.”
(Tirmidhi, 586)
This simple yet powerful act of devotion can earn you the reward of a complete Hajj and Umrah.
2. Going to the Masjid for Congregational Prayer
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Whoever makes ablution at home and then leaves to offer the obligatory prayer in the mosque will receive a reward like that of a Hajj pilgrim. And whoever goes out to offer the mid-morning prayer (Duha) will receive a reward like that of someone performing Umrah.”
(Sunan Abi Dawud, 558)
Attending congregational prayers, especially Fajr and Duha, can bring you immense rewards.
3. Performing Friday Prayer
The Companion Sa`id bin al-Musayyib (RA) said that performing the Friday prayer was “more beloved to me than a Nafl (voluntary) Hajj.”
The exact reward of Friday prayer is known only to Allah, but its significance is evident from the high regard the Companions held for it.
4. Performing Eid Prayer
The Companion Mikhnaf ibn Sulaym (RA) said:
“The reward for attending Eid Al-Fitr prayer is equal to performing Umrah, and the reward for attending Eid Al-Adha prayer is equal to performing Hajj.”
(Lata’if al-Ma’arif)
Participating in Eid prayers is a simple way to earn the reward of these great acts of worship.
5. Learning and Teaching in the Masjid
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.”
(al-Mu’jam al-Kabīr, 7346)
Seeking or imparting knowledge in the mosque is a highly rewarding act.
6. Being Good to Your Parents
The Prophet (PBUH) once told a Companion:
“If you are good to your mother, you are a Hajj pilgrim, a person performing Umrah, and someone striving for the sake of Allah (mujahid).”
Serving and honoring your parents, especially your mother, can earn you rewards equivalent to Hajj and Umrah.
7. Fulfilling the Needs of Your Muslim Brother or Sister
The scholar Hasan al-Basri (RA) said:
“Going to fulfill the need of your brother is better for you than performing Hajj after Hajj.”
Helping others is a form of worship that brings immense rewards.
8. Sincere Intention of Performing Hajj
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“The one who intends to do a good deed but does not do it will still be rewarded for it. And if he does it, his reward will be multiplied ten times.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Even intending to perform Hajj, if sincere, can earn you its reward.
9. Dhikr After Obligatory Prayer
Abu Darda (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“After every prayer, recite ‘Allahu Akbar’ 34 times, ‘Subhanallah’ 33 times, and ‘Alhamdulillah’ 33 times. This deed will earn you more reward than what the wealthy gain from Hajj and jihad.”
(Musnad Ahmad)
This simple dhikr is a powerful way to earn immense rewards.
10. Preparing a Pilgrim or Taking Care of Their Family
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Whoever prepares a pilgrim or takes care of his family will receive a reward equal to that of Hajj, without reducing the pilgrim’s reward.”
(Sahih Ibn Khuzaimah)
Supporting pilgrims is a noble act that carries great rewards.
11. Performing Umrah in Ramadan
Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“If you perform Umrah in Ramadan, you will get the same reward as performing Hajj with me.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
Umrah during Ramadan is especially rewarding.
12. Observing the Ten Days of I’tikaf
Ali ibn Hussain (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Whoever observes the ten days of I’tikaf during Ramadan will obtain the reward of two Hajj and two Umrah.”
(Bayhaqi)
I’tikaf during Ramadan is a deeply spiritual act with immense rewards.
Conclusion
These 12 good deeds demonstrate that opportunities to earn the reward of Hajj and Umrah are abundant in our daily lives. By incorporating these acts into our routines, we can draw closer to Allah (SWT) and reap the blessings of these sacred pilgrimages. May Allah grant us the ability to perform these deeds sincerely and consistently. Ameen.
