First 10 days of Hajj

Allah Ta'ala has blessed his ummah with such great days and nights!

Amongst them are the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah which starts this year on Wednesday, 18 November 2009.

Our beloved Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: “By Allah, there is no better time than the ten days of Dhul Hijjah, wherein one fast (kept in these days) is equal to a whole year of fasting and one night of worship is equal to the Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr). (Tirmizi)

Ibn Abbas (radhiyallahu anhu) that Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: "There is no day wherein any good action is more beloved to Allah Ta'ala than these ten days (the first ten days of Zul Hijjah)". The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu anhum) enquired: " Not even Striving in the path of Allah ?"

"Not even Striving in the path of Allah," replied Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) , "with the exception of that person who left with his life and wealth (in the path of Allah) and did not return with any of it (i.e. he is martyred)". (Bukhari, Tabraani)

It is also narrated from Ibn Abbaas(radhiyallanhu) that Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: "No days are as weighty with Allah and so liked by Him for good deeds than the first ten days of Zul-Hijjah ". Therefore in these days increasingly recite: "La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Al-Hamdu-lillah, Sub-hanallah." (Tabraani

One day from among the ten days is the Majestic Day of Arafah. Fasting on this day (9th of Zil Hijjah or the 26th of November 2009), for example, compensates for the past year and the next year's sins.

What to do during these 10 days:

Fasts in the First 10 Days:

The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has said, "One fast during these days is equal to the fasting of one complete year, and the worship of one night during this period is equal to the worship in the "Lailatul-Qadr".(Tirmidhi)

Fast of Day of 'Arafah (9th day of Zulhijjah is called 'Youmul - "Arafah')

Abu Qataadah (radhiyallahu anhu) reported that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: " I have hope in Allah Ta'ala that the fast of Arafaat will be an atonement for the sins of the past and the forthcoming year." (Tirmidhi)

For Hajjis and Non Hajjis:
The Takbeer at-Tashreeq is wajib for men to recite, and mustahab for women, at least once after every fardh prayer from Fajr of the 9th of Zulhijjah until Asr time of the 13th of Zulhijjah. It is:

"Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha ill-Allah; wa Allahu akbar. Allahu akbar, wa Lillahi'l-hamd (Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise),"
Men are encouraged to recite these phrases out loud and women quietly.

Also:

Give more charity
Increase Thikr, quraan recitation (with understanding), durood, taubah and voluntary salaah

Sources:

http://questforthedivine.blogspot.com/2006/12/zul-hijjah-days-of-hajj.html
http://muhammadalshareef.blogspot.com/2009/11/look-at-first-10-days.html