I heard Ibn `Abbas saying, "Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) asked an Ansari woman (Ibn `Abbas named her but `Ata' forgot her name), 'What prevented you from performing Hajj with us?' She replied, 'We have a camel and the father of so-and-so and his son (i.e. her husband and her son) rode it and left one camel for us to use for irrigation.' He said (to her), 'Perform `Umra when Ramadan comes, for `Umra in Ramadan is equal to Hajj (in reward),' or said something similar."
Hadith Text & Context
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 1782 describes a conversation between Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and an Ansari woman who was unable to perform Hajj due to limited resources. Her husband and son had taken their camel for Hajj, leaving only one camel needed for essential irrigation work.
Scholarly Commentary on the Ruling
The Prophet's instruction to perform Umrah in Ramadan demonstrates the flexibility of Islamic law and Allah's mercy toward those with legitimate excuses preventing Hajj performance.
Classical scholars explain that "equal to Hajj in reward" refers to spiritual reward (thawab) and divine recompense, not that Umrah replaces the obligatory Hajj (fard) for those capable. The obligation of Hajj remains for those who meet its conditions.
Significance of Ramadan Umrah
Scholars emphasize that the exceptional reward for Umrah in Ramadan stems from the blessed nature of Ramadan itself - a month where good deeds are multiplied and divine mercy is abundant.
This hadith encourages Muslims to increase worship during Ramadan and highlights that various acts of devotion can bring immense reward when performed in this sacred month.
Practical Juridical Implications
Islamic jurists clarify that while Umrah in Ramadan carries Hajj-like reward, it does not fulfill the obligatory Hajj requirement nor does it replace the rituals and conditions specific to Hajj.
The ruling applies specifically to voluntary Umrah performed during Ramadan, demonstrating Islam's recognition of different capacities among believers and the multiple paths to earning divine pleasure.