The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are considered the righteous days of the year, in which a Muslim can perform multiple deeds and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to get immense blessings and rewards from Allah.
Hence, it is a great opportunity for Muslims after the month of Ramadan to catch up and increase in worship and ask for repentance from Allah. There is mention of the sacred days of Dhul-Hijjah in the holy Quran, and it is stated by the messenger of Allah (PBUH) "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than those ten days." They said: "O Messenger of Allah! Not even Jihad in Allah Cause?" The Messenger of Allah said: "Not even Jihad in Allah's Cause, unless a man were to out with his self and his wealth and not return from that with anything." Jami` at-Tirmidhi 757
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE FIRST TEN DAYS OF DHUL-HIJJAH
Find below some of the acts of worship and tips to get the maximum rewards during these special days of the year.
Dhikr
One of the most beloved deeds is making Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah). These are easy, frequent, yet highly rewarded acts. You can start with doing dhikr after your five daily prayers or throughout the day, remembering and praising Allah and asking for his mercy.
Reciting Subhan Allah, Alhumdillah, Allahu Akbar, Astaghfirullah are some simple forms of Dhikr. You can also frequently recite phrases such as Subhan Allahi wa bihamdihi and Subhan Allah al-Azim as a way to wipe off your sins and increase in praising Allah. This is great way to achieve the blessings in the sacred days of Dhul-Hijjah.
Fasting
While you can get the reward of fasting for the first 9 days of Dhul-Hijjah. Or you can fast it fast on the day of Arafat, which falls on the 9th Dhul-Hijjah, just a day before Muslims celebrate Eid-ul Azha. For those who are unable to perform., Fasting is one of the best deeds in Islam, and voluntary fasts are highly rewarded acts of worship. You can also fast on Mondays and Thursdays if you are unable to fast the entire 9 days.
Give Charity
Another great act to perform in these blessed days is to give charity in the way of Allah.
Give to the poor and deserving, whatever it may be – money, gift a Quran for the knowledge of Allah and drinking water or food to those in need.
Helping our fellow Muslims is a cherished act of worship. Allah increases the sustenance for a Muslim who gives and helps out his fellow brothers and sisters.
Ask for Forgiveness
These sacred days are best to ask for forgiveness from Allah; therefore, spend your days seeking repentance and the mercy of Allah. Ask for forgiveness for yourself, your families and loved ones as well as for the Ummah.
Recite Qur’an
Reciting the Qur’an is by far one of the best acts of worship to strengthen your relationship with Allah and with the holy Book. It has been mentioned that 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud said 'The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "[Whoever recites a letter] from Allah's Book, then he receives the reward from it, and the reward of ten the like of it. I do not say that Alif Lam Mim is a letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter."
Night Prayers
Just as you should spend your days in worship, it is even better for you to spend the nights of this blessed month in worship of Allah. Perform the voluntary night prayer (Tahajjud) in the third part of the night or before Fajr time. Make duas for yourself and the Ummah around the world, as this time is the best time to make duas to Allah and you will feel a spiritual connection to Him by getting up in the night just to pray to Allah.