Observing Voluntary fasts

Some of good deeds recommended in these 10 days are:

1. Observing Voluntary fasts
2. Offering animal sacrifices (lamb, goat, etc.)
3. Sincere repentance
4. Recitation of the Quran
5. staying up the night
6. Praying the Eid prayers on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah.
7. Learn quran online

Hafsah reported, “There are five things that the Messenger (saws) never abandoned: fasting the day of ‘Ashurah, fasting the [first] 10 [days of Dhul-Hijjah], fasting 3 days of every month and praying two rak’aah before the dawn prayer.” [Related by Ahmad and an-Nasa’i]

Abu Hurairah relates that the Messenger of Allah (saws) said, “There are no days more loved to Allah for you to worship Him therein than the ten days of Dhul Hijja. Fasting any day during it is equivalent to fasting one year and to offer salatul tahajjud (late-night prayer) during one of its nights is like performing the late night prayer on the night of power. [i.e., Lailatul Qadr].” [Related by at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and al-Baihaqi]

The Prophet (SAWS) direct Muslims to recite a lot of Tasbeeh (“Subhan-Allah”), Tahmeed (“Al-hamdu Lillaah”) and Takbeer (“Allaahu akbar”) during this time. Hazrat Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar (R.A) reported that the Prophet (SAWS) said:

“There are no days greater in the sight of Allah 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-Allah”), Takbeer and Tahmeed.” (Reported by Ahmad, 7/224; Ahmad Shaakir stated that it is saheeh).

Those Muslims who are not attending hajj this year should fast on the day of Arafah because it is highly recommended and it is confirmed Sunnah for those who are not able to attend Hajj. Abu Qatadah (R.A)  narrated that that the Prophet Mohammed Peace be upon was asked about fasting on the day of ‘Arafah and he said:

“It expiates for the past and coming years.” Narrated by Muslim (1162).