He reported God’s messenger as saying, “An 'umra is an expiation for sins committed between it and the next, but a hajj which is accepted will receive no less a reward than paradise.” Bukhari and Muslim.
The Rites of Pilgrimage - Mishkat al-Masabih 2508
This noble hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) distinguishes between the spiritual merits of 'Umrah and Hajj, while emphasizing the immense reward of accepted pilgrimage.
Exposition of 'Umrah's Merit
The 'Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) serves as expiation for minor sins committed between one 'Umrah and the next. This demonstrates Allah's boundless mercy, granting believers repeated opportunities for purification through this blessed act of worship.
Scholars clarify that this expiation applies to minor sins only, as major sins require specific repentance. The temporal limitation indicates the importance of frequent performance of 'Umrah to maintain spiritual cleanliness.
The Supreme Status of Accepted Hajj
The Hajj that is "accepted" (maqbul) refers to one performed with sincerity, following the Prophet's Sunnah, with lawful provisions, and free from showing off or sin. Such Hajj guarantees Paradise as its ultimate reward.
Classical commentators note that the phrase "no less a reward than paradise" indicates that the accepted Hajj might yield even greater rewards, but paradise is the minimum guaranteed recompense from Allah's infinite generosity.
Practical Implications
This hadith encourages Muslims to perform 'Umrah regularly when possible, while emphasizing the necessity of perfecting one's intention and adherence to proper rites during Hajj to attain the promised reward.
The distinction reminds believers that while 'Umrah cleanses minor sins, the accepted Hajj achieves the ultimate spiritual objective - eternal bliss in Paradise.