What to Do in These Days
1. Fasting — especially the Day of ‘Arafah (9th Dhu al-Hijja): The Prophet: “Fasting on the day of ‘Arafah — I hope Allah will expiate the sins of the previous year and the coming year.” (Muslim) This is for those NOT performing Hajj — the Hajj pilgrims are at ‘Arafah and do not fast on that day.
Many Muslims fast the first 9 days (1st-9th Dhu al-Hijja).
2. Takbir (exalting Allah): The days of Dhu al-Hijja are marked by the continuous repetition of: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha ill-Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahi al-hamd” This is the Takbirat al-Ayyam — the specific takbir formula of these days. It begins at sighting of the moon of Dhu al-Hijja (per Hanbali view) or from Fajr of ‘Arafah day (per Shafi’i/Hanafi) and continues through the days of Tashriq (11th, 12th, 13th of Dhu al-Hijja).
3. Sacrifice (‘Ud-hiyya / Qurbani): The sacrifice on Eid al-Adha (10th Dhu al-Hijja) and the days of Tashriq (11th-13th) commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. Those who intend to sacrifice should not cut their hair or nails from the 1st of Dhu al-Hijja until they sacrifice — following the Prophet’s instruction.
4. General increase in ‘ibada: Given the prophetic statement that these are the days where deeds are most beloved to Allah — prayer, sadaqah, Quran recitation, istighfar, and dhikr are all especially recommended.
The Spiritual Peak: ‘Arafah
The 9th of Dhu al-Hijja — the Day of ‘Arafah — is the spiritual summit of the Islamic year. For pilgrims on Hajj, standing at ‘Arafah is the pillar of Hajj itself (rukn al-Hajj). For non-pilgrims, fasting this day expiates two years’ worth of minor sins.
The Prophet on ‘Arafah: “This Day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” (5:3 — revealed on the Day of ‘Arafah during the Farewell Pilgrimage)
See also: Arafah, Mina, Hajj Journey, Adhkar, Siyam Nafl, Aqiqa, Adhkar Morning