Does performing Umrah in Ramadan really equal Hajj in rewards? Let’s prove this from the Hadith. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Perform Umrah when Ramadan comes, as Umrah in Ramadan equals to Hajj (in reward)” – Sahih al-Bukhari: 1782
Ramadan is a special and important month in the Islamic calendar. This month is famous for fasting among Muslims. Ramadan is when Allah SWT revealed the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Hence, the month has more significance in Islam than we think.
Performing Umrah is also a spiritual act during Ramadan. Because it’s a holy month, the virtue of Umrah performed in it is also greater. Many Muslims think that their Umrah in Ramadan will be accepted, sins will be forgiven, and they will get spiritual rewards. No doubt, it’s true, and that’s the actual significance of the holy month of Ramadan.
Meaning of “Equivalent to Hajj”
You should be clear in your mind that Umrah and Hajj aren’t equal to each other. Both are separate pilgrimages of Islam. Umrah is a minor or lesser pilgrimage, while Hajj is a major pilgrimage and also a fifth pillar of Islam. But why is performing Umrah in Ramadan equivalent to Hajj?
This is all about the rewards and blessings you get from Allah SWT. There is quality in rewards, not in obligation. If a Muslim performs Umrah in Ramadan, he receives the same reward as a Hajj pilgrim does. Hence, it’s not a substitute for an obligatory Hajj but a voluntary or Nafl act during Ramadan.
The History Behind the Hadith “Umrah in Ramadan is Equivalent to Hajj”
Every word spoken by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is true, and that’s what is called Hadith. Similarly, this Hadith was a prophetic response to a specific incident. You can find this Hadith in both Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih al-Muslim. It’s narrated by Ata Ibn Abi Rubah when he heard Ibn Abbas saying that a Sahabiya, namely Umm-e-Sulaim (R.A) or according to some traditions, Umm-e-Sinan al-Ansariyyah (R.A), came to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Upon arriving, she said to Prophet (PBUH): ‘O Messenger of Allah SWT! Both my husband and son have gone for Hajj, and I didn’t have a ride to go, so could I not go with you on Hajj?’
On replying Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
فَإِنَّ عُمْرَةً فِي رَمَضَانَ حَجَّةٌ
Keep in mind that it was not a general law that one must perform Umrah during Ramadan, but a consolation or tribute by the Prophet (PBUH) to the woman who had the intention of performing Hajj. The sincerity and intention of a woman were so accepted that Allah SWT made Umrah in Ramadan equal to Hajj.
Note: you can find more details of the above Hadith here, sunnah. com/bukhari:1782
The Islamic scholars have derived some important points from this Hadith. Let’s see why the reward of Umrah in Ramadan becomes equal to Hajj by exploring the Hadith deeply!
Ramadan is a Month of Mercy, Forgiveness, and Blessings
By the way, Allah SWT always showers His mercy on Muslims, but during Ramadan, this becomes more than double. According to another Hadith, in this month, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed. That’s why Ramadan is so significant and provides a spiritual atmosphere to every Muslim.
Hence, this thing makes Umrah a very rewarding act. The blessings and forgiveness you will get this month are more than the Umrah performed in another month. This is the main reason Ramadan is a peak season of Umrah, and there is more rush inside Masjid al-Haram during this time. The upcoming Ramadan in 2026 is a great opportunity if you want to experience the rewards. So, you can perform Umrah 2026 in Ramadan and get forgiveness and blessings from Allah SWT; rewards will be equal to Hajj.
The Reward for Every Good Deed Increases up to 700 Times
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Every good deed of the son of Adam would be multiplied, a good deed receiving a tenfold to seven hundredfold reward.” – Sahih al-Muslim: 1151e
During Ramadan, the reward of every good deed becomes double. According to this Hadith, it’s equal to 700 times. So, now imagine how kind Allah SWT is to Muslims! However, the number 700 times is just a symbolic expression. Allah SWT better knows that the actual rewards depend on the sincerity and piety of a Muslim or pilgrim. If one of your good deeds is Umrah in this blessed month, then you can get this reward, as explained by the Hadith.
Every Good Act in Ramadan Becomes a Means of Getting Closer to Allah SWT
The main purpose of Ramadan is fasting, which is obligatory for every adult Muslim. Fasting teaches piety to Muslims. The more good deeds you perform during this blessed month, the closer you will be to Allah SWT. One of the good acts is Umrah, and when performed during Ramadan, it will become a means of getting closer to Allah SWT.
The Umrah is the same in nature as performed in other months. Just because of the blessings of Ramadan, its rewards are equal to Hajj. The reason for the increased rewards in the fasting month is the blessed time, intention, and spiritual environment.
In the end, the rewards of Umrah increase in Ramadan because it’s the season of God’s mercy to Muslims.