Since Hajj is among the most virtuous deeds in Islam, and not everyone can afford it (especially on a continuous basis) Allah Ta’ala has attached the reward of optional Hajj to certain other deeds for the benefit of all.
Since this year there wont be any Hajjis leaving, we can take consolation from the following narrations which promise of various other deeds yielding Hajj rewards:
1. Wudu at home before proceeding for Salah with Jamat.
Sayyiduna Abu Umaamah (radiyallahu’anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “ One who purifies himself (i.e, makes wudu) and leaves his home to attend the fard salah in congregation receives the reward of a Haji in the state of Ihram,
And if he leaves for the Salatu-Dhuha (Chaast) he gets the reward of ‘Umrah…
(Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 559)
2. Salatul Ishraq.
Sayyiduna Anas Ibn Maalik (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “ Whoever offers his Fajr salah in congregation, and then remains seated making the dhikr (remembrance) of Allah until (approximately 15 mins after) sunrise after which he offers two rak’aats of salaah (Ishraq), will receive the reward of one complete Hajj and one complete ‘Umrah”
(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 586 with a sound chain)
N.B. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) repeated the words: “complete” thrice.
3. Going to the Masjid to acquire or impart Knowledge.
Sayyiduna Abu Umaamah (radiyallahu’anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “ Whoever goes to the Masjid for the purpose of learning or teaching Knowledge, receives the reward of a Haji whose Hajj was perfect.
(Tabarani, Hadith: 7473 with a sound chain. See Targheeb vol.1 pg.104 & Takhreejul Ihyaa, Hadith: 4253)
4. To recite “Subhanallah” 100 times in the morning and evening.
Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr (radiyallahu ’anhuma) reported That Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “ He who recites Subhanallah 100 times in the morning and another 100 times in the evening is like one who performed Hajj 100 times!”
(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 3471 with a sound chain)
5. Serving one’s Parents:
Sayyiduna Anas (radiyallahu’anhu) reports that a man came to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and said: “I wish to participate in Jihad, but I cannot afford it” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) enquired if any of his parents were alive, to which he said: “Yes! My mother is alive” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “ Show Allah how you serve her. If you do so (duly) you will be like a: Haji, a Mu’tamir (one doing ‘Umrah) and a Mujaahid (One striving in Allah’s way).”
(Abu Ya’la, Hadith: 2760, and Tabarani with good chains.-Targheeb, vol.3, pg. 315 & Mukhtasar Ithaaf, Hadith: 5721)
6. Glancing at ones Parents with love.
Ibn Abbas (radi Allahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “ The pious offspring who casts a single look of affection at his parents receives a reward from Allah equal to the reward of an accepted Hajj. ” The people enquired: “O Prophet of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam), if someone casts a hundred such glances of love and affection at his parents, what then?” The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: ” Yes, indeed, even if one does so a hundred times a day, he will get a hundred fold reward. Allah is far greater than you imagine and is completely free from petty narrow mindedness.” (Sahih Muslim)
N.B. The promises of “gaining the same reward as Hajj” that are mentioned above, are restricted to the reward only. It does not mean that one upon whom Hajj is obligatory can merely suffice on these deeds. (Sharh-Nawawi ‘ala Muslim, Hadith: 1256 & Fathul Mulhim, vol.6, pg.123)