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First Ten Days of Zulhijjah
Just like the last ten nights of Ramadan are the best ten nights out of the year, the first ten days of Zulhijjah are the best days of the year and the most beloved to Allah (SWT) as they combine acts of worship in a way unlike any other time.

There are many merits in the first ten days of Zulhijjah that we should try to benefit from. Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al-Fajr verses 1-2:

Which means: “By the dawn. And [by] ten nights.”

Scholars of tafsir have mentioned that these ten nights refer to the first ten days of Zulhijjah. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also stressed the rewards of performing acts of worship in these first ten days, in a hadith: “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.” The people asked, "Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?" The Prophet (SAW) replied, "Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who goes out himself for Jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything." [Bukhari]

The following are some examples of the acts of worship that we can perform to help us gain His pleasure, InshaAllah.

○ Performing Hajj
Hajj is one of the best deeds that one can do during these ten days. However, for those of us who are not yet able to perform our pilgrimage this year, there are still various other forms of worship that we can do to earn the pleasure of Allah (SWT).

○ Fasting 
It is highly encouraged to fast for the first nine days of Zulhijjah, especially on the Day of Arafah^*. 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) used to fast on the ninth day of Zulhijjah and he said: “Fasting the Day of Arafah is an expiation for (all the sins of) the previous year and expiation for (all the sins of) the coming year.” [Muslim]

^{* Day of Arafah / 9th Zulhijjah 1438H falls on Thursday, 31 August 2017.} 

○ Performing Zikr and Takbir
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 Tahlil (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allah), Takbir (saying Allahu Akbar) and Tahmid (saying Alhamdu Lillaah).” [Ahmad]

Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Zulhijjah, reciting Takbir, and the people would recite Takbir when they heard them. [Bukhari]

○ Performing Night Prayers
Seeking Allah’s forgiveness and humbling ourselves in front of Him in supplication and prayers during the later part of the night is an act of worship that is very beloved to Allah (SWT). 

Allah (SWT) calls out to His servants in the later 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?” [Bukhari & Muslim]

○ Making Sincere Tawbah (Repentance)
Allah (SWT) loves those who repent to Him in complete submission. The act of sincere repentance to Allah with intention to never return to disobedience and sin is very dear to Him. Return to Allah by giving up all these deeds, open and secret, that He dislikes. Be regretful of your sins and resolve to never return to repeat them and to firmly adhere to the path which Allah loves.

Allah  says, "But as for him who repented, believed and did righteous deeds, it is promised by Allah that he will be among the successful." [Surah Al-Qasas, 28:67]

○ Returning to the Al-Quran
During these ten days of Zulhijjah, take the opportunity to re-establish your relationship with the Quran. Recite its verses and you will reap its blessings. Understand its message. Implement the commandments of the Quran in your life. May this renewed relationship with the Quran open the doors of wisdom and happiness in your life. This will ultimately lead to guidance and success in this life and the Hereafter, inshaAllah.

○ Increase in Doing Good Deeds
If you are not able to perform Hajj this year, occupy yourself by doing any and every possible good deed. Every act that is done with sincerity for the pleasure of Allah (SWT) will bring you closer to Him.

“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.“ [Surah Al-Zalzalah, 99:7-8]

○ Performing Ibadah Qurban (Sacrifice)
If you can afford to perform qurban this year, you will be reliving a sunnah of the Prophets, and also providing charity to people who are in need. Ibn Umar said: “The Prophet (SAW) lived in Medina for ten years and every year he slaughtered an animal.” [Ahmad]

The rewards of performing qurban are tremendous. In one hadith, Zaid Ibn Arqam (RA) reported that the Companions of the Prophet (SAW) asked, “Ya Rasulullah, what is this sacrifice?” He replied, “It is the way of your forefather Ibrahim.” They asked, “What is for us therein?” He replied, “There is a reward for every hair.” They asked: “For the wool, Ya Rasulullah?” He replied: “There is one reward for every strand of wool.” [Ahmad; Ibn Majah]

○ Attending Eid Prayers 
Attending Eid prayers is from the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (SAW). We should be keen on practicing this Sunnah and performing it according to the teachings of our Prophet (SAW). Eid is a time of joy and happiness and we should be inclusive of all of our brothers and sisters who may not be as fortunate to have enough to enjoy this blessed occasion.

○ Thanking Allah for all His Blessings
One of the biggest forms of worshiping Allah (SWT) is to thank Him, deeply, sincerely and continuously. Thank Him for everything that He has provided us: the blessing of Islam, the blessing of life and every blessing we possess. Thank Him for the opportunity to experience these ten days. Ask Him for His mercy, forgiveness and guidance. Let us hasten to do good deeds and appreciate this blessing and make the most of these ten days, inshaAllah.

“And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty (death).” [Surah Al-Hijr, 15:99]
 

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Source: ICNA