The Obligation and Merit of Hajj

Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by all who can afford a way to it. And whoever refuses (the obligation of the Pilgrimage), or is ungrateful to Allah (by not fulfilling this com-mand), Allah is absolutely independent of all creatures. (Al Imran 3:97)

624. Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “An Umra in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj—or a Hajj with me.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Umra, 4; Sahih Muslim, Hajj, 221).

625. Laqit ibn Amir, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that he came to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and said, “My father is an old man who cannot do Hajj or Umra nor travel.” He said, “Do Hajj and Umra for your father.” (Sunan Abu Dawud, Manasik, 25; Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Hajj, 87).

626. Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, met a group of people at ar-Rawha and said, “Who are these people?” They said, “Muslims.” and then asked, “Who are you?” He said, “The Messenger of Allah.” A woman lifted up a child and said, “Can this one go on Hajj?” He said, “Yes, and you will have the reward.” (Sahih Muslim, Hajj, 409).

Nawawi, Imam. Riyad As-Salihin; The Gardens of the Righteous: A collection of authentic hadiths. Tughra Books Press, Inc. 2014