Hadith Reference

Jami` at-Tirmidhi 939 - The Book on Hajj

Arabic Text

قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: "عمرة في رمضان تعدل حجة"

Meaning and Significance

This noble hadith indicates the immense virtue of performing Umrah during the sacred month of Ramadan. The Prophet (peace be upon him) equated its reward to that of Hajj, though this refers to the reward in terms of spiritual merit and divine recompense, not the legal ruling that would replace the obligation of Hajj.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam at-Tirmidhi classified this hadith as hasan sahih (good and authentic). Scholars explain that this equality is in terms of reward (thawab) from Allah, not in fulfilling the obligation (fard) of Hajj. The one who performs Umrah in Ramadan receives reward equivalent to performing Hajj, but this does not substitute for the obligatory Hajj if one is capable.

This tremendous virtue demonstrates Allah's boundless mercy, allowing believers unable to perform Hajj to attain similar rewards through this blessed act of worship during Ramadan, when good deeds are multiplied.

Juridical Implications

The majority of scholars hold that this hadith indicates the superiority of performing Umrah in Ramadan but does not make it obligatory. The equality mentioned is specific to reward, not to the legal ruling. Therefore, the obligatory Hajj remains a separate pillar of Islam that must be performed by every capable Muslim at least once in their lifetime.