Consider the time when the Muslims come out of their homes purified in the state of ablution in order to  perform the obligatory prayer in congregation in the Masjid. This resembles the time the pilgrims set out of their homes directing their hearts and bodies to the Sacred House to perform the rituals of Hajj.

Just as pilgrims gather in one place, whether young or old, with no difference between them, similarly, in the congregational prayer the richest of people happen to stand beside the poorest of them, the commander beside the commanded, the ruler beside the ruled, the young beside the old and so on. By so doing, people feel they are equal.

Whoever observes prayers (i.e. performs them in congregation in the Masjid) is a partner of the pilgrim on the Day he is performing Hajj. His reward is like the reward of the pilgrim who puts on Ihraam (clothes worn in the state of Ihraam), as told by the truthful and truly inspired Prophet, .

How excellent is it to have this reward written for you, along with the Testimony of your faith by Allah The Almighty ; and sufficient for witness is the Testimony of Allah to you. Allah The Almighty, Says (what means): {The Mosques of Allah are only to be maintained by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day and establish prayer} [Quran 9:18]

It was narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, that the poor among the Muhaajiroon (Emigrants) came to the Messenger of Allah, , and said, “‘The wealthy ones have obtained the highest ranks and the enduring pleasure. They offer prayers as we offer prayers, they observe fasting as we observe fasting, but they have extra wealth therefrom they perform Hajj and ‘Umrah, take part in Jihaad (in the Cause of Allah) and give in charity (i.e. things we do not do).’Upon this the Prophet, said: ‘Should I not teach you something by which you will catch up on those who have preceded you, and get ahead of those who come after you, and none but those who do as you do will be more excellent than you.’They said, ‘Yes, O Messenger of Allah.’He said: ‘Exalt (to say 'Subhaanallaah'), then Praise (to say 'Al-hamdu lil-llaah') and then glorify (to say 'Allahu Akbar') thirty-three times immediately after every (obligatory) prayer.’" [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

If you fail to set out for Hajj due to the lack of money, then, strive to perform ‘Umrah in the month of Ramadan, for it has a reward equal to Hajj that is performed in the company of the Prophet, .

It was narrated on the authority of ‘Abdullaah Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, , said to a woman from the Ansaar called Umm Sinaan: "‘What prevented you from performing Hajj with us?’ She said, ‘Abu so-and-so, her husband, had only two camels used for carrying water. He and his son performed Hajj on one of them, and the other was left to carry water for our boy.’ On that he said: ‘Then ‘Umrah performed in (the month of) Ramadan is equal (in reward and not in obligation), to Hajj, or Hajj performed with me.’" [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

a- It was narrated that a man came to the Messenger of Allah, , and said, "‘I have a desire for taking part in Jihaad, but I have no power to do it.’He asked him: ‘Is anyone of your parents still alive?’ He said, ‘My mother.’On that the Prophet, sallalalahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said to him: ‘Then, meet (the obligations of) Allah in your being dutiful to her. If you do so, you will be (or get reward equal to that of) a pilgrim, a performer of ‘Umrah and a Mujaahid." [Abu Ya‘la: Good chain of narrators]

According to another narration with a slight variation of wording, it was narrated on the authority of Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, that a man came to the Messenger of Allah, , and said: "‘I have a desire for taking part in Jihaad, but I have no power to do it.’ The Messenger of Allah, , asked him: ‘Is anyone of your parents still alive?’ He said, ‘My mother.’On that, the Messenger of Allah, said to him: ‘Then, fear Allah in (being dutiful to) her. If you do so, you will be (or get reward equal to that of) a pilgrim, a performer of ‘Umrah and a Mujaahid.’" [At-Tabaraani and Al-Bayhaqi]

Love and Longing for the Hajj - I

Love and Longing for the Hajj - III