Superiority of ibadat in Dhul-hijjah’s first 10 days

Monday or Tuesday will be the first day of the month of Dhul-hijjah which is the 12th and the last in the 1436 Hijiri Calendar. Just like the last ten nights of Ramadan are the best ten nights out of the year, the first ten days of Dhul-hijja are the best days of the year […]

Monday or Tuesday will be the first day of the month of Dhul-hijjah which is the 12th and the last in the 1436 Hijiri Calendar.
Just like the last ten nights of Ramadan are the best ten nights out of the year, the first ten days of Dhul-hijja are the best days of the year and the most beloved to Allah as they combine acts of worship in a way unlike any other time. 
These days are so sacred that acts of worship done in them (during day time) attract more rewards than ones done in days other than them.     
The Prophet (PBUH) said, “There is no deed that is better in the sight of Allaah or more greatly rewarded than a good deed done in the (first) ten days of Al-Adha”. It was asked, “Not even Jihaad for the sake of Allaah?” The Prophet (PBUH) replied, “Not even Jihaad for the sake of Allah, unless a man goes out himself for Jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.” Narrated by Al-Bukhari.
Some of the scholars amongst the pious predecessors of Muslims said performing Hajj (if you can afford it) is the best deed that one can do during these ten days. For those not performing Hajj, they said slaughtering on the 10th of Dhul-hijjah is the second best deed one can perform during these days.  
Other ibaadaat that one can perform during these 10 days to earn the pleasure of Allah are: 
 Fast all nine days and especially on the ‘Day of Arafah’
The Prophet (SallaLLaahu alayhi wa sallam) 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 (SallaLLaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Fasting the Day of ‘Arafah (ninth Dhul-Hijja) is an expiation for (all the sins of) the previous year and expiation for (all the sins of) the coming year.” (Muslim) 
 Perform Dhikr and Takbeer
The Prophet (SallaLLaahu alayhi wa salam) said: “There are no days on which good deeds are greater or more beloved to Allah than on these ten days, so recite much Tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah), Takbeer (saying Allahu Akbar) and Tahmeed (saying Alhamdu Lillaah).” (Ahmad -Saheeh)
Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijja, reciting Takbeer, and the people would recite Takbeer when they heard them. (Bukhari)
Takbeer at this time is a Sunnah that has mostly been forgotten, especially during the first few days. So say it in the masjid, in your home, on the street and every place where it is permitted to remember Allah. Revive the Sunnah that have been virtually forgotten and earn great rewards for doing so. 
 Make sincere repentance (Taubah Nusuuhah)
Allaah loves those who repent to Him in complete submission. The act of sincere repentance to Allaah with intention to never return to His disobedience and sin is very dear to Him. Return to Allaah by giving up all the deeds, open and secret, that He dislikes. Be regretful of your sins and disobedience and resolve to never return to sin and to firmly adhere to the path which Allah loves.
Allaah says, “But as for him who repented, believed and did righteous deeds, then he will be among those who are successful.” [Al-Qasas 28:67]
 Read the book of Allaah (The Qur’aan)
Qur’aan read during these days attracts more reward, so take the opportunity. Establish a beautiful new relationship with the book of Allaah starting in these ten days of Dhul-Hijja. Recite it and implement its messages. 
 Increase in doing all good deeds
Every act that is done with sincerity for the pleasure of Allah will bring you closer to Him and earn you huge rewards. “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.“[Al-Zalzalah 99:7-8]
Attend Eid prayers
Attending and performing the ‘Eeed prayers are from the obligatory acts of Islaam, according to the most correct opinion of scholars.  So, we should hasten attend and offer the ‘Eeed Salah on the 10th of the month.