So the following is some information about these blessed 10 days that are soon coming to an end, from a sister's halaqa (amazing halaqa btw, mashaAllaah).
It's Importance:
- It is the month of Hajj - one of the 5 pillars of Islam!
Hajj is centered around the story of Hajar (radhiAllaahu anha), who was Ibrahim (alayhi salaam)'s second wife and the mother of Ismael (alayhi salaam). It was through her and Ismael (alayhi salaam) that the city of Makkah was formed and the well of ZamZam discovered. Many actions performed during Hajj are re-enactments of what she did throughout her test from Allaah t'Aala.
- It is the month of Eid-ul-Adha
On this day we offer qurbani (sacrifice) in order to appreciate and understand Ibrahim (alayhi salaam)'s test from Allaah to sacrifice his son, Ismael (alayhi salaam). We are meant to develop true love for Allaah - which should be above everyone.
- Its first 10 days are the BEST DAYS of this world - even better than the days of Ramadhan!
Ibn 'Abbaas (radhiAllaahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days." The people asked, "Not even Jihaad for the sake of Allaah?" He (peace be upon him) said, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah, 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." --Reported by al-Bukhari, 2/457)
There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days." The people asked, "Not even Jihaad for the sake of Allaah?" He (peace be upon him) said, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah, 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." --Reported by al-Bukhari, 2/457)
- It's 9th day is the Day of Arafat - Day of Forgiveness
Aa'isha (radhiAllaahu anha) narrated that our Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "There is no day on which Allaah frees more people from the Fire than on the day of Arafat. He comes close and expresses His pride to the angels saying, 'What do these people (the Hajis) want?'" --Sahih Muslim
- Perform Hajj or Umrah!
- Fast - Especially on the 9th (Day of Arafat)
When the Messenger of Allaah (peace be upon him) was asked about the fasting on the Day of Arafat, he said: "It expiates the sins of the previous year and that of the following year." --Sahih Muslim
- Extra Salaah - Tahajjud, salaat-ul istighfar, salaat-ul shukr
- Khatm-ul-Qur'aan - Or at least read more than you normally do; Look up the english version of Surah Al-Hajj.
- Dhikr
- Sincere Du'a and Repentance
- Qurbani/Sacrifice - Share your qurbani with friends, family, and for extra bonus points give some to the poor/orphans.
- Attend the Eid Prayer! - Perform the Sunnah of 'Eid as well such as not eating anything until after the prayer.
- Good Deeds in General - Smile, give sadaqa, reconcile with family memebers and old friends, forgive others. If you can't seem to do any good deeds for some reason, make du'a to Allaah, and at least ABSTAIN FROM SINNING.
May Allaah accept our repentance and reward all those performing Hajj. *Ameen*
