Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "(The performance of) `Umra is an expiation for the sins committed (between it and the previous one). And the reward of Hajj Mabrur (the one accepted by Allah) is nothing except Paradise."
Hadith Text
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "(The performance of) `Umra is an expiation for the sins committed (between it and the previous one). And the reward of Hajj Mabrur (the one accepted by Allah) is nothing except Paradise."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1773
Exegesis of the First Part
The Prophet (ﷺ) establishes that performing `Umrah serves as kaffārah (expiation) for sins committed between one `Umrah and the next. This demonstrates Allah's immense mercy, transforming a journey of devotion into a means of spiritual purification.
Scholars explain that this expiation applies to minor sins, while major sins require specific repentance. The temporal limitation ("between it and the previous one") encourages frequent performance of `Umrah, maintaining continuous spiritual cleansing.
Exegesis of the Second Part
"Hajj Mabrur" refers to the pilgrimage perfectly performed according to Islamic guidelines, free from sin and accepted by Allah. The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasizes that its ultimate reward is nothing less than Paradise.
Classical commentators note that "nothing except Paradise" indicates the supreme value of accepted Hajj, surpassing all worldly rewards. This formulation underscores that no other recompense could match its spiritual worth in the divine scale.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes the merit of frequently performing `Umrah while highlighting the supreme status of Hajj in Islamic worship. It encourages Muslims to maintain regular acts of devotion while aspiring toward the highest spiritual achievements.
The conjunction of `Umrah and Hajj in one narration demonstrates the complementary nature of these pilgrimages in the Islamic tradition, each carrying distinct spiritual benefits within the comprehensive system of worship.