The meaning of the word Zul-Hijah is the month of “Haj” (Pilgrimage). Zul-Hijah is the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, a month of tremendous virtues and blessings. It is in this month that we have been given the chance to fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam “Haj”.  The first 10 days of this month are especially significant and are among the most magnificent and virtuous days. Even for those not performing the Haj, these first ten days are considered very sacred and a time for increased reflection, seeking Allah's forgiveness, and doing various forms of worship. Good deeds done in these days are highly rewarded by Almighty Allah. Following are some acts of worship that can be performed in the first 10 days of this month:

Fasting: Observing fast during the first 9 days of this month has great rewards, especially, fasting on the 9th day, which is the day of ‘Arafah’.  Prophet PBUH said, “Fasting the Day of ‘Arafah’ (9th of Zul-Hija) is an expiation for all the sins of the previous year and the coming year.” [Muslim]  

Ziker and Takbeer: Increase remembrance of Allah in these days. Allah SWT says, “Remember Allah during the well-known days” [2:203]  -  In regards to this Ayat Prophet PBUH said, “It refers to the first ten days of Zul-Hija.” [Bukhari]   -  Prophet PBUHsaid, “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 Lillah).” [Ahmad]

Night Prayers (Tahajud):  Seeking Allah’s forgiveness and humbling ourselves in front of Him in supplication and prayers during the latter part of the night is an act of worship that is highly rewarded by Allah.  Prophet PBUH said, “He Almighty calls out to His servants in the latter part of the night: ‘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]

Sincere Repentance:  Allah loves those who repent to Him in complete submission. The act of sincere repentance to Allah with intention to never return to His disobedience is very dear to Him. Return to Allah with sincere heart, shed some tears and be regretful of your past sins and ask for His forgiveness, mercy and guidance.   Allah SWT says, “But as for him who repented, believed and did righteous deeds, then he will be among those who are successful.” [28:67]  

Return to Book of Allah: Establish a new relationship with Quran. Starting in these ten days increase your recitation of Quran and know that this book will open for you the doors of wisdom and happiness, which will ultimately lead you to guidance and success in this life and the Hereafter. 

Thank Allah for His blessings:  One of the biggest forms of worship is to thank Allah sincerely and continuously for all the blessings He has bestowed on us; the blessing of brining us as a Muslim in this world, the blessing of life, good health, wealth, family and everything we possess.