VIRTUES OF DHUL HIJJAH

The comments below are that of a classmate of mine who is a graduate from the prestigious Madina University with Masters in Hadith studies. He is also the scretary of Kenya's Islamic Dawah Acadamy. A board member of Kenya's Community Bank which operates on Islamic banking principles.

Assalaam alaykum, As you are aware brothers and sisters we are in the first ten days of the holy month of Dhul Hijjah, in these ten days virtuous deeds are more meritorious than any other time of the year. Therefore, this is an opportunity to revitalize our iman. Reinvigorating our relationship with Allah subhaanahu wa taalah. This can be done through softening our hearts to allow us to benefit from the Quran and Prophetic traditions.
Making the best of optimum times where Allah seeks us out and supplications are more accepted. These are among the virtuous properties Allah has placed in these first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.
Ibn Abbas narrates: The Prophet said, "No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijja)." Then some companions of the Prophet said, "Not even Jihad?" He replied, "Not even Jihad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah's sake) and does not return with any of those things." Bukhari
Allah swears in Suratul Fajr “Wa layaalin ashr” to show the virtuous distinct features of these days. Ibn Taimiyyah among other Muslim jurists state that, the first ten days are the most superior days of the year. These calls for, each one of us to fill his days with different types of ibada to draw closer to Allah the Almighty who has blessed us with iman and health to witness these days.
Allah’s grace is not specific to a category of people, but it graces all those who earnestly seek Him. We can therefore, pray naafilah supererogatory prayers, fast, do dhikr recite the Quran, dua supplication, smile at other Muslims, give charity, feed the poor, visit the sick and the needy, greet each other, being good to our neighbors, parents, children, spouses, friends et cetera
Most important though, is to seek Allah’s forgiveness and to increase our virtuous deeds. May Allah accept our a’maal
Badru Jafar

note: it is highly recommended to fast on the day of Arafah which will be on Sunday the 7th of December. thanks