Do's and Dont's for the ten days of Dhul-Hijja

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijja are a great blessing from Allah to us . It is our duty to appreciate this blessing and profit from the opportunity to devote our time during them to paying more attention and doing our best  in worship. Among His blessings to us, the Almighty has given us many ways through which we can do good deeds and worship Him, so that our sins might be washed out.

Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: " There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." The people asked, " Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah? " He said, " Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight, giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing." (Bukhari)

To get closer to the Almighty , during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijja t is recommended to:

1. Fasting : It is highly recommended to fast these days and if one cannot it is much appreciated to fast the 9th of Dhu’l-Hijjah for non-pilgrims.

The prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:  " Fasting the day of ‘Arafah: I hope Allah will expiate thereby for the year before it and the year after it." (Muslim)

2. Offer sacrifices : It is highly recommended that Muslims offer sacrifices on their behalf and on the behalf of  their dependents. They can do such an act locally and share in the meat but if they cannot , there are plenty of charitable works to be done. However, Muslims must not cut their nails or shave their hairs during this period until after the day of Eid Al-adha.

3. Glorify the Almighty by reciting a lot of Dhikr and Tasbeeh : It is crucial to recite much Dhikr ans Tasbeeh as much as possible including the reading the noble Quran and praying upon our beloved Messenger ( peace and blessings of Allah be upon him ) and recite much takbir, (' Alhamdulillāh', 'Subhānallāh' and 'Lā ilāha Illallāh ').

4. Reflect. Muslims have to think for a little and reflect upon a whole year that has passed quickly and ask themselves whether they have improved and benefited themselves and others. They should seek forgiveness and sincere repentance and spend all their time in supplications and Du'aa.

5. Perform as much as possible prayers : Muslims have to perform more prayers as much as they can during the day and the nights and increase the number of their extra prayers especially night prayers.

Allah, the Almighty says: And perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat ), at the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night [ i.e. the five compulsory Salat (prayers)]. Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds (i.e. small sins). That is a reminder (an advice) for the mindful ( those who accept advice). (Hud: 114)

6. Do not cut the nails or shave the hair before offering the sacrifice : He who wants to offer a sacrifice must stop cutting his hair and nails and removing anything from his skin from the beginning of the ten days until after he has offered his sacrifice.