Fiqh-us-Sunnah Volume 5, Hajj and ‘Umrah, Fiqh 5.002.

Al-Hasan ibn Ali says that a man came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said: “I am a coward and a weak person. Is there anything I can do?” The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “You may go for a jihad (striving) that involves no fighting, that is, Hajj.” This is reported by Abdur Razzaq and At-Tabarani, and all its narrators are trustworthy.

Abu Hurairah narrates that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Hajj is the jihad for the old, the weak and the women.” (This is reported by Nasa’i with a reliable chain of narrators)

‘Aishah reports that she once said: “O Prophet of Allah! Jihad (striving or fighting in the cause of Allah) is the best deed. Should we (women) then, not actively participate in it?” The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: “The best jihad for you is Hajj Mabrur.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

In another report ‘Aishah says: “I once asked the Prophet (peace be upon him): ‘O Prophet of Allah! Should not we (women) strive and actively participate in the Islamic war with you?’ The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: ‘The best and the most beautiful striving for you in the cause of Allah is Hajj Mabrur.”‘ (Bukhari and Muslim) ‘Aishah commented: “After hearing this from the Prophet (peace be upon him) I shall never cease performing Hajj.”