Seize the virtues of the first ten days of Dhul Hijja because they are some of the most special in the Islamic Calendar, mosque-goers will be told on Friday.
These ten days have acquired a special status because in them fall the best and most blessed days including the Day of Arafat - the ninth day of Dhul Hijja - and about which the Prophet Mohammed said, "There is no day when Allah saves more servants from the punishment of the Hellfire than on the Day of Arafat."
Another special day that falls in these sacred days is Eid Al Adha, about which the Prophet said "The greatest day in Allah's sight is the day of sacrifice."
During these blessed days many good acts of obedience are performed that are not combined in any other days of the year. Those include prayer, fasting, Hajj, Sadaqa (charity) and Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and the rewards for performing such deeds is multiplied.
The sermon will tell Muslims to perform plenty of good deeds during this time including praying Nawafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory).
Muslims are also encouraged to fast during the first ten days, particularly on the Day of Arafat. In an indication of its importance, it was narrated that one of the wives of the Prophet said, "The Messenger of Allah used to observe fast in the first nine days of Dhul Hijja, Ashuraa and three days of every month, that is, the first Monday (of the month) and Thursday."
The sermon will also advise parents to teach their children how to invest their time in performing acts of goodness.
Muslims are instructed to invoke peace and blessings on the Prophet. The Quran says, "indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace." (Al-Ahzab: 56).