The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) intended to perform hajj.
A woman said to her husband: Let me perform hajj along with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).
He said: I have nothing on which I can let you perform hajj. She said: You may perform hajj on your such-and-such camel. He said: That is dedicated to the cause of Allah, the Exalted. He then came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and said: My wife has conveyed her greetings and the blessings of Allah to you. She has asked about performing hajj along with you. She said (to me): Let me perform hajj with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). I said (to her): I have nothing upon which I can let you perform hajj. She said: Let me perform hajj on your such-and-such camel. I said: That is dedicated to the cause of Allah, The Exalted.
He replied: If you let her perform hajj on it, that would be in the cause of Allah.
He said: She has also requested me to ask you: What is that action which is equivalent to performing hajj with you?
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Convey my greetings, the mercy of Allah and His blessings to her and tell her that umrah during Ramadan is equivalent to performing hajj along with me.
The Rites of Hajj (Kitab Al-Manasik Wa'l-Hajj)
Sunan Abi Dawud - Hadith 1990
Hadith Commentary
This narration demonstrates the Prophet's wisdom in guiding his companions regarding religious obligations and substitutes. The husband's initial hesitation stemmed from his understanding that a camel dedicated to Allah's cause could not be used for personal hajj. The Prophet clarified that enabling one's wife to perform hajj is itself an act in Allah's cause, showing the flexibility within Islamic principles.
The profound equivalence established between umrah in Ramadan and hajj with the Prophet reflects the immense virtue of Ramadan. Scholars explain this equivalence refers to reward, not obligation - meaning one receives the reward of accompanying the Prophet in hajj, though the obligatory hajj remains required for those capable.
This hadith illustrates several legal principles: the permissibility of using dedicated property for appropriate religious purposes, the importance of facilitating worship for family members, and the exceptional status of Ramadan worship. The Prophet's response shows his compassionate leadership and deep understanding of both religious law and human circumstances.
Legal Rulings Derived
Umrah performed during Ramadan carries the reward equivalent to performing hajj with the Prophet Muhammad.
Property dedicated to Allah's cause may be used for appropriate religious purposes that serve Islamic objectives.
Facilitating one's wife's performance of hajj is considered an act in the cause of Allah.
When unable to perform an act of worship, Muslims should seek alternative virtuous deeds that bring similar rewards.