Getting the rewards of Hajj at home

“Verily, the number of months with Allah is 12 months (in a year) so was it ordained by Allah on the day, when he created the Heaven and the Earth; of them four are Sacred -that is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein….” (At-Tawbah (9): 36).Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “The year is of […]

“Verily, the number of months with Allah is 12 months (in a year) so was it ordained by Allah on the day, when he created the Heaven and the Earth; of them four are Sacred -that is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein….” (At-Tawbah (9): 36).
Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “The year is of 12 months, four of which are sacred; three consecutive months Dhul-Qadah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab…”
“That they might witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e. reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade, etc.) and mention the name of Allah on appointed days, over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice)….” (al-Hajj 22:28).
Majority of scholars agree that the “appointed days” are the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, because of the words of Abdullah Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father), who said and as related by al-Bukhari: “The appointed days are the first 10 days (of Dhul Hijjah).
The 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are the days when most of the pilgrims make a journey to Makkah and perform their tasks of Hajj and the activities peak at this period before the all-important 9th day (Yaomul-Arafat).
Just as those performing the Hajj have special chances to get extra rewards, those who not able to go to Hajj are also given special chances to get extra reward during these days.
Importance of the days
Ibn Hajar (as) reportedly said that the apparent reason they (days) are so special is because the ‘mothers’ of the acts of worship of Allah occur (simultaneously) in them which does not happen in any other days (meaning Sallah (prayer), Charity, Fasting, and Hajj).
Most scholars adopt the opinion that these days are better than the last 10 days of Ramadan, but equally said that what holds the last 10 days of Ramadan at a higher status is the Night of Power (or Night of Majesty) (Laylatul Qadr) which is equivalent to one thousand months (83.33 years equivalent).
This days also contain the 8th (Yaomul Tarwiyya), 9th (Yaomul Arafah) and the 10th (Yaomul Nahr [Day of sacrifice]) which is also consider the greatest day of the entire year and the greatest day of Hajj, which combines acts of worship in a way unlike any other day.
Fasting on 9th Dhul Hijja (Yaomul Arafat)
Abu Qatadah (as) reported that Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “Fasting on the day of Arafat is an expiation for two years, the year preceding it and the year following it. Fasting the day of ‘Ashura is expiation for the year preceding it.” (Related by “the group” except al-Bukhari and at-Tirmidhi).
Apart from the fasting and other acts of worship, those at home (as stated by many scholars) are to cut nails, hairs, trim moustaches or shave armpits and pubic hairs before Dhul-Hijja 1 (likely next week Thursday), especially those expected to slaughter animals on Dhul-Hijjah 10th.
While those in Saudi Arabia are engaged in the rigours of Hajj, those at home are equally expected to be engaged various acts of worship like they observed three months ago during the blessed month of Ramadan.
In addition to good intention, the prerequisites for acceptance of deeds are sincerity and compliance with orders of Allah to attain the desired rewards.
May Allah accept the worships of those on Hajj and those at home. Ameen