The Virtues of the First 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah

InshaAllah,
Wednesday, the 18th of November will be the first of Dhul Hijjah
Thursday, the 26th of November will be the day of Arafa
Friday, the 27th of November will be Eid al-Adha

1) The first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah are the most virtuous days of the year.
2) Virtues of performing good deeds during these days and the necessity of utilizing time.
3) Examples of good deeds: Salaah, Recitation of the Qur'aan., Fasting, Charity, and Hajj.
4) Sacrificing Udh-hiyah, and the Sunnah regarding it.
5) Not cutting your hair/nails within these 10 days if you plan to offer a sacrifice

From the most virtuous of days are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah (the 12th month in the lunar calendar, one of the sacred months and the month of Hajj). A group of those from the People of Knowledge say: “Verily they are the best days of the year just as the last ten nights of Ramadaan are the best nights of the year.” Some of the various types of righteous actions which are done in these first ten days are mentioned below:

REMEMBRANCE OF ALLAAH
The first of the righteous actions is the remembrance of Allaah(swt). Allaah(swt) said: "…and the men and the women who remember Allaah much with their hearts and tongues - Allaah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise)." [al-Ahzaab 33:35]
It is affirmed in a number of texts the encouragement of mentioning the takbeer. Allaah(swt) said: "…and mention the Name of Allaah on appointed days (i.e. 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah)" [al-Hajj 22:28]
It has been affirmed from the Sahaabah (Companions) of the Prophet(pbuh) and from him(pbuh), that they increased in the takbeer (saying “Allaahu Akbar—Allaah is the Greatest) in the first ten days of the month of Dhul Hijjah and they raised their voice with it, each one of them saying the takbeer on his own. They raised their voices until the mountains shook from their takbeer but they did not say the takbeer in unison (in Jamaa’ah). Each of them said the takbeer on his own.

VOLUNTARY ACTS OF WORSHIP
One should implement the voluntary acts of worship - whether prayer, fasting or charity. It is reported in hadeeth that the Prophet(pbuh) encouraged fasting the ten days and it is reported that he(pbuh) said: “Whoever fasts the Day of Arafah will have his sins expiated for two years (the past year and the coming year).” [Ibn Maajah]

DO NOT CUT HAIR OR NAILS FOR THE ONE DOING THE SACRIFICE
From what is considered as righteous actions on these ten days is that the one who wants to do the Udhiyyah (sacrificial slaughter) should not cut his hair or nails during these ten days. As such it is desired that he commits himself before these ten days by cutting his hair and nails. The Prophet(pbuh) said: “When any one of you intending to sacrifice the animal enters in the month (of Dhul-Hijjah) he should not get his hair or nails touched (cut)”. [Muslim]

SUPPLICATE FOR THE HUJJAAJ
One should make du`aa (supplication) for the hujjaaj (pilgrims who have embarked upon the Hajj) that Allaah(swt) keeps them safe from all evil and that He(swt) returns them to their countries. This is because the hujjaaj are the guests of Ar-Rahmaan so they have a right upon us that we supplicate for them for ease in their affairs and their safe return.

UDHIYYAH - SACRIFICIAL SLAUGHTER
One should prepare to do the Udhiyyah (sacrificial slaughtering of an animal) and arranging distribution of the meat amongst family, friends, the needy etc. This is from the pious and righteous deeds. Abu Haneefah(rahimahullah) was of the opinion that it was from the obligatory acts but most of others say that it is desirable. The Prophet(pbuh) said: “Who does not slaughter should not come to the salaah”. [Ibn Maajah]

ATTEND THE `EED SALAAH
From amongst the righteous actions is attending the salaatul `Eed, greeting one another, and leaving off fasting on the day of `Eed and on the days of Tashreeq (i.e. the 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul Hijjah).
[Based on a lectured by Shaykh Sa`d ash-Shitree (may Allaah preserve him). The Virtues of the First 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. Albaseerah News letter Issue # 2 of Vol. ]