We have entered the first days of Dhul Hijjah, and these days are the best time to do good deeds and earn reward.

Narrated from Ibnu ‘Abbas, may Allah pleased with him, that Prophet Muhammad shallallahu ‘alaihi wassallam said,
“No good deeds are better than what is done in these first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.”
Some companions of the Prophet said, “Not even jihad in the way of Allah?” The Prophet said, “Not even jihad in the way of Allah, except for a man who goes out with his life and wealth at risk and he returns with nothing.”
[Source : Sahih Bukhari 926].

Maximize our good deeds by fasting, reading Qur’an, and giving charity
It is common to fast on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the Day of Arafa, but it’s also sunnah to fast all the first 8 as well. Let us set our intentions what we want to accomplish during these blessed days. Make a list-to-do also will help and we could refer back to them every time we need a reminder. All deeds are worth more during the sacred hours of Dhul Hijjah. During weekend holidays, it would a good time to dedicate a few hours serving our community. There are endless ways to get involved, for example, providing food for the iftar, help clean the yard at your local mosque, or assist the committee preparing a halaqa would be also nice.

Spend time deep in dua on the Day of ‘Arafa
This year’s hujjaj (people who are doing hajj in Mecca) have begun their journeys. Although many of us could not make it this year, we can still follow them along online. A live stream of the Ka’ba can keep us in tune with the sacred pilgrimage. They cry out as if with one voice,
“Here I am O God, here I am at your service, and You have no partner. Here I am. All praise, grace and dominion belong to You. You have no partner.”
This supplication is said repeatedly by the pilgrims, answering God’s call for Muslims to perform Hajj.

The 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, also called the Day of ‘Arafa, is a time for extra devotion. This time, people on Hajj are spending it deep in dua. Reflect on our progress in Dhul Hijjah, did we reach our goals?
Muslims who are not making the pilgrimage and who can afford it, sacrifice an animal in remembrance of the Prophet Ibrahim’s test. Mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al Hajj verses 36-37. This verses also explain clearly the purpose of sacrificial animals.

[36. We have made sacrificial camels (and cattle) among the symbols of Allah, in which there is (much) good for you. So pronounce the Name of Allah over them when they are lined up (for sacrifice). Once they have fallen (lifeless) on their sides, you may eat from their meat, and feed the needy – those who do not beg, and those who do. In this way We have subjected these (animals) to you so that you may be grateful. 37. Neither their meat nor blood reaches Allah. Rather, it is your piety that reaches Him. This is how He has subjected them to you so that you may proclaim the greatness of Allah for what He has guided you to, and give good news to the good-doers.]
[The Noble Quran, Surah Al Hajj : The Pilgrimage, 36-37]

Celebrate Eid 
Eid Mubarak! Enjoy the holiday, celebrate what you have accomplished in these blessed days and continue to practice the good habit, bi idznillah. As for this year, we should follow our local authorities regarding the congregation prayer of Eid prayer. Eid is a time of celebration,  and thank God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us.  It’s time to show our kindness to family and neighbors, empathy and compassion for everyone.