1) Fast all nine days and especially on the ‘Day of Arafah’
The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to fast on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah and he said: “Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah (ninth of Dhul-Hijja) is an expiation for (all the sins of) the previous year and expiation for (all the sins of) the coming year.” (Muslim)
2) Perform Dhikr and Takbeer
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There are no days on which good deeds are greater or more beloved to Allah than on these 10 days, so recite much Tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allah), Takbeer (saying Allahu Akbar) and Tahmeed (saying Alhamdu Lillaah).” (Ahmad -Saheeh)
3) Stand at Night in Prayer
Seeking Allah’s forgiveness and humbling ourselves before Him in supplication and prayers during the latter part of the night is an act of worship that is very beloved to Allah (SWT). Allah Almighty calls out to His servants in the latter part of the night, saying; “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)
4) Make Sincere Repentance
Allah loves those who repent to Him in complete submission. The act of sincere repentance to Allah with the intention to never return to His disobedience and sin is very dear to Him. Return to Allah by giving up all the deeds, open and secret, that He dislikes. Regret your sins and disobedience and resolve to never return to sin and to firmly adhere to the path which Allah loves. Allah says, “But as for him who repented, believed and did righteous deeds, then he will be among those who are successful.” Qur’an 28:67
5) Return to the Book of Allah
It is time to dust off your copy of the Noble Qur’an if you have abandoned it since the end of Ramadan. Establish a new and beautiful relationship with the Book of Allah, starting from these 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah. Recite its verses and you will reap its blessings. Understand its message. Implement its commandments in your life. This relationship with the Noble Qur’an will open the doors of wisdom and happiness for you. This will ultimately lead to guidance and success in this life and the Hereafter.
6) Increase In Doing Good Deeds
If you are not able to perform Hajj this year, occupy yourself with good deeds during this period. Every act that is done with sincerity for the pleasure of Allah 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.” Qur’an 99: 7- 8
