Dhul Hijjah continues

So, I'm at my parents', exchanging gifts for that holiday, oh, what's it's name, that occurs at the end of December? I still haven't managed to get up the gumption to tell them that I'd rather come on the 26th or 27th to exchange gifts, and avoid the 25th. I have no guts. *hangs head* Well, at least I drove in this morning, to avoid being guilted into attending church yesterday.

Anywho, last year, Sunni Sister put together a fantastic list of readings about Dhul Hijjah. Go, read. After all, iqra was Allah (swt)'s first command.

Welcome the Blessed Month of Dhul Hijjah

First 10 days of Dhull-Hijja

We are quickly approaching the best days of the year, the day of Arafah and Eid al Ahdu. These days fall in the Islamic month Dhull-Hijja, which will be starting inshaAllah this weekend.

While 2 million muslims are in Saudi Arabia, eagerly waiting to complete their hajj, for those of us at home, we can still reap some rewards and benefits from the first 10 days of this month. Fasting these first 10 days are a sunnah (an example) of our blessed Prophet (saws). In addition, doing good deeds and extra worship are held in even higher regard during this time.

Ibn `Abbas (ra) reported that the Prophet (saws) said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." The people asked, "Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?" He said, "Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out, giving himself and his wealth up for the cause (of Allah), and came back with nothing." (Reported by Al-Bukhari)

Visit IslamOnline for more articles on these 10 days. Mutmainaa lists acts of worship and activities that are perfect to at this time.