According to the Islamic lunar year, Dhul Hijjah, the Month of Hajj (pilgrimage), is the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. Throughout the month of Dhul Hijjah, the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca takes place. However, the significant pilgrimage observances transpire till 8th to 12th of the holy month, and the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are the most important days.
As per Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are an exceptional time for worship. In these days, arrangements began for those who are moving to pilgrimage.
In particular, the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah is the Day of Arafat, and the tenth day of the Dhul Hijjah is the day of Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). These days are not only sacred for those on pilgrimage but for those ar home too.
The Prophet (PBUH) said, “There is no deed that is better in the sight of Allah or more greatly rewarded than a good deed done in the (first) ten days of Al-Adha”. It was asked, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?” The Prophet (PBUH) replied, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah unless a man goes out himself for Jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.” Narrated by Al-Bukhari.
The above Hadith showcases the significance of Dhul Hijjah. Although Allah has Blessed Muslims to reap rewards every day of their life, there are certain days which are more sacred than any other days. The last 10 days of Ramadan especially (Laytaul Qadr night) and the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are scared, indeed.
So, the relevant question is how one should make most out of these 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. Let’s have a look to know what a believer can do in these sacred 10 days.
1. Performing Hajj (Pilgrimage)
Source: ABC News
Certainly, Hajj is one of the best actions that one can do in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Nevertheless, for those of us who could not perform Hajj owing to certain reasons still, have many ways to reap rewards.
Read Also: 9 Essential Duas For Hajj You Need To Know About
2. Do Dhikr and Takbeer
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The Prophet (SAW) said: “There are no days on which good deeds are greater or more beloved to Allah than on these ten days, so recite much Tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allah), Takbeer (saying Allahu Akbar) and Tahmeed (saying Alhamdu Lillaah).” (Ahmad -Saheeh)
Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijja, reciting Takbeer, and the people would recite Takbeer when they heard them. (Bukhari)
Unfortunately, many of us forget the Sunnah of Takbeer, particularly while the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. So recite it in the mosque, at home, while walking on the streets and on every permissible place. Moreover, it is our duty to revive the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (SAW) and remember things about His life.
Besides, the Prophet (SAW) said: “Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward.” (Tirmidhi- Hasan)
3. Observe fast on all nine days and particularly on the ‘Day of Arafah’
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The Prophet (SAW) said: “Anyone who fasts for one day for Allah’s pleasure, Allah will keep his face away from the (Hell) fire for (a distance covered by a journey of) seventy years.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
The Prophet (SAW) accustomed to fast on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah and He stated: “Fasting the Day of ‘Arafah (ninth Dhul-Hijja) is an expiation for (all the sins of) the previous year and expiation for (all the sins of) the coming year.” (Muslim)
4. Observe the Night Prayer in the First 10 Days Of Dhul Hijjah
Source: seekers guidance
Asking Allah’s forgiveness and denying ourselves in front of Allah in prayer and devotions during the last part of the night is a prayer that is dearest to Allah.
Allah Almighty calls His servants in the last part of the night: “Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me, so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?” (Bukhaari, Muslim)
We should embrace this chance and beg Him for His compassion and mercy. We should ask Allah Almighty as our Prophet (SAW) taught us “Our Lord, bless us with the best of this world and the best of the hereafter and save us from the fire of Hell.”
5. Return The Quran in the First 10 Days Of Dhul Hijjah
Source: islam.ru
It is the high time to open the book (Quran) of Allah. Build a connection with the Quran, in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Recite the verses of the Holy Quran and you shall reap its benefits. Just do not read it randomly, try to understand its message and contemplate on what Allah is saying. Fulfil the commandments of the Holy Quran. This will lead you to the right path and will open doors you were always seeking.
6. Repent Sincerely In The First 10 Days Of Dhul Hijjah
Source: the Islamic monthly
Allah Almighty loves those who ask for his mercy and forgiveness. Sincere repentance with the promise and intention to not to return back to the certain sin again is dear to Allah. Get back to Allah and abandon all those acts which are disliked by the omnipotent, Allah. Show regret and by heart and adhere to the right path.
Allah says in the Holy Quran, “But as for him who repented, believed and did righteous deeds, then he will be among those who are successful.” [Al-Qasas 28:67]
7. Increase Your Good Deeds
Source: About Islam
It does not matter if you are unable to go to pilgrimage. You may aggrandize your good deeds; any act with honesty and sincerity will yield Allah’s love for you.
Allah says, “So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it, and whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it.“[Al-Zalzalah 99:7-8]
8. Slaughter animal (Sacrifice)
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Ibn Umar (R.a) said: “The Prophet 
lived in Madeenah for ten years and every year he slaughtered an animal.” (Ahmad-Saheeh by al-Albaani)
Allah is the most merciful and beneficent. He loves those who repent; who comes back to him; who fears him. Although one can get close to Allah at anytime or any day regardless of whatever one has done in his yesteryears, the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are sacred to attain his blessings.
