"I said: 'O Messenger of allah, shall we not go out and fight in jihad with you, for I do not think there is any deed in the qur'an that is better than jihad.' He said: 'No. the best and most beautiful (type) of jihad is Hajj to the House; Hajj Al-Mabrur. ''(sahih)
Hadith Commentary: The Superiority of Hajj Al-Mabrur
This noble hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i (2628) addresses the question of the most virtuous deeds in Islam, specifically comparing jihad and Hajj.
Context and Question
The companion's question reflects the common understanding that jihad holds the highest station among Islamic deeds. His statement "I do not think there is any deed in the Qur'an that is better than jihad" demonstrates the elevated status jihad held in the hearts of the early Muslims.
The Prophet's Response
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) clarified that Hajj Al-Mabrur - the accepted pilgrimage - surpasses even jihad in virtue. This indicates that under specific circumstances, certain forms of worship can exceed others in reward.
Meaning of Hajj Al-Mabrur
Scholars define Hajj Al-Mabrur as the pilgrimage performed: 1) Purely for Allah's sake without showing off, 2) In accordance with the Prophet's Sunnah, 3) With lawful provisions, 4) Free from major sins during its performance, and 5) Followed by continued righteousness.
Wisdom Behind This Ranking
This ranking applies to times of peace when jihad is not obligatory. Hajj Al-Mabrur combines physical, financial, and spiritual devotion while demonstrating complete submission to Allah's commands - making it a comprehensive act of worship that purifies the soul and strengthens faith.
Practical Implications
This teaching emphasizes the importance of prioritizing acts of worship according to circumstances and highlights that the best deeds are those most pleasing to Allah at any given time, not necessarily those perceived as most difficult or dramatic.