Ramadan has come and gone. Our hearts have been clouded with the darkness of sins and desires. Our imaan (faith) is fading and weakening.
 
By the blessing of Allah ta’la, we have another opportunity to rectify our state and clean our soiled souls: 10 Days of Thul Hijjah (the beginning of Thul Hijjah is still to be announced in the next few days)
               
Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (peace 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 jihaad for the sake of Allah?” He said, “Not even jihaad 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.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 2/457)
 
WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO?
 
1 - Sincere Repentance We must cleanse ourselves from the heavy burden of sins we have accumulated since Ramadan so that we may be successful in this world and the next.
Allah says: and repent to God and all, O believers, that ye may prosper ([Nur: 31].
“And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful.” [an-Noor 31]
 
2- Fasting – DO NOT MISS THE 9th Day of Thul Hijjah (The Day of Arafa)
Allah has chosen fasting for Himself, as is stated in the Hadeeth Qudsi:
“Allah says: ‘All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except for fasting, which is for Me and I am the One Who will reward him for it.’ ” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 1805)
 
It was reported from Abu Qutaadah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked about fasting on the Day of Arafaah. He said, “It expiates for the sins of the previous year and of the coming year.” (Narrated by Muslim).
 
3- Remembrance of Allah (Thikr)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded us to recite a lot of Tasbeeh (“Subhan-Allaah”), Tahmeed (“Al-hamdu Lillaah”) and Takbeer (“Allaahu akbar”) during this time. ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“There are no days greater in the sight of Allaah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal of Tahleel (“La ilaaha ill-Allaah”), Takbeer and Tahmeed.” (Reported by Ahmad, 7/224; Ahmad Shaakir stated that it is saheeh)
 
4- Doing more good deeds in general, because good deeds are beloved by Allah and will bring great rewards from Him. Whoever is not able to go to Hajj should occupy himself at this blessed time by worshipping Allah, praying (salaat), reading Qur`an, remembering Allah, making supplication (du‘aa´), giving charity, honouring his parents, upholding the ties of kinship, enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, and other good deeds and acts of worship.
“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]
 
5- Performing Hajj and ‘Umrah. One of the best deeds that one can do during these ten days is to perform Hajj to the Sacred House of Allah. The one whom Allah helps to go on Hajj to His House and to perform all the rituals properly is included in the words of the Prophet (peace be upon him):
“An accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Paradise.”
6- Sacrifice One of the good deeds that will bring a person closer to Allah during these ten days is offering a sacrifice, by choosing a high-quality animal and fattening it, spending money for the sake of Allah.