Hajj and ‘Umrah are not merely journeys of the body; they are journeys of the soul. When performed with sincerity and devotion, these sacred acts bring immense blessings into a believer’s life. They purify sins, remove hardship and poverty, strengthen faith, and earn the pleasure of Allah. The sayings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ clearly highlight the spiritual, moral, and even worldly benefits of these noble journeys.

Forgiveness of Sins and the Promise of Paradise

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

“The performance of ‘Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous one, and the reward of an accepted Hajj (Hajj Mabrūr) is nothing but Paradise.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

This hadith beautifully reassures believers that sincere ‘Umrah wipes away past sins, while an accepted Hajj earns nothing less than Jannah. It encourages Muslims to renew their relationship with Allah through repeated visits to His Sacred House.

Hajj and ‘Umrah Remove Poverty and Sins

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Perform Hajj and ‘Umrah consecutively, for they remove poverty and sins just as the bellows remove impurity from iron.” (Sunan Ibn Mājah)

This powerful comparison shows how Hajj and ‘Umrah cleanse both spiritual and worldly difficulties. Sins are purified, and Allah places barakah (blessing) in one’s sustenance.

Similarly, Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh رضی اللہ عنہ reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

“A pilgrim never becomes poor or destitute.” (Al-Ṭabarānī)

Together, these narrations emphasize that reliance upon Allah through these acts brings lasting ease and provision.

The Best of Deeds: Accepted Hajj and ‘Umrah

‘Amr ibn ‘Absah رضی اللہ عنہ reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

“Verily, the best of deeds is a righteous and accepted Hajj or a righteous and accepted ‘Umrah.” (Durre Mansoor)

An accepted (mabrūr) Hajj or ‘Umrah is one performed sincerely, without showing off, and followed by a life of obedience. The Prophet ﷺ also described ‘Umrah as a “minor Hajj,” indicating that it carries many of the same blessings, though to a lesser degree. It is therefore necessary that one should learn the correct way of performing Umrah.

Continuous Forgiveness Through ‘Umrah

Abū Hurairah رضی اللہ عنہ reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

“The sins committed between two ‘Umrahs are forgiven through the next ‘Umrah.” (Authentic narrations reported in multiple collections)

This encourages believers to perform ‘Umrah regularly, as each visit becomes a means of spiritual renewal and forgiveness.

The Special Virtue of ‘Umrah in Ramadan

Ibn ‘Abbās رضی اللہ عنہ narrated an incident involving Umm Sulaym رضی اللہ عنہا, who could not accompany her family for Hajj. The Prophet ﷺ said to her:

“To perform one ‘Umrah in the month of Ramadan is equal in reward to performing Hajj with me.” (Abu Dawood)

This exceptional virtue makes Ramadan an especially beloved time for ‘Umrah, offering immense reward for those unable to perform Hajj. 

Pilgrims as the Delegation of Allah

Abū Hurairah رضی اللہ عنہ reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

“Those who perform Hajj and ‘Umrah are Allah’s delegation. When they call upon Him, He answers them; and when they seek His forgiveness, He forgives them.” (Mishkāt)

Another narration states:

“The delegation of Allah are three: those who strive in His path, those who perform Hajj, and those who perform ‘Umrah.” (Mishkāt)

These hadith highlight the honored status of pilgrims, whose prayers are accepted and whose efforts are richly rewarded.

A Unique Virtue of Umrah Linked to Bayt al-Maqdis

Umm Salamah رضی اللہ عنہا reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

“Whoever enters into ihram for ‘Umrah from Bayt al-Maqdis will be forgiven.”
(Targheeb)

So powerful was this promise that Umm Ḥakīm رضی اللہ عنہا undertook a special journey to Bayt al-Maqdis solely to enter into ihram there.

A Journey Worth Taking

Hajj and ‘Umrah are among the greatest gifts Allah grants to His servants. They cleanse sins, remove hardship, elevate status, and bring the believer closer to Allah. For anyone planning an Umrah journey, these hadith are a reminder that the journey is not just about reaching Makkah—it is about returning transformed.

May Allah grant every Muslim the opportunity to perform Hajj and ‘Umrah repeatedly and accept them with His infinite mercy.