Let me share a little secret with you.
Today is the beginning of the New Islamic Calendar Year!
The first month of the year is very special and known as Allah's month al-Muharram.
al-Muharram is one of the four sacred months.
Allah says, "Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve lunar months in the register of Allah from the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them." [al-Tawbah 9:36]
It is recommended to fast during Allah's month al-Muharram.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "The most virtuous prayer after those obligated is prayer at night and the most virtuous fast after Ramadan is Allah's month al-Muharram". [Muslim]
The most stressed, some say the most virtuous, day to fast is the 10th which is called Ashura. During that day it's recommended to spend on the family.
Fasting on Ashura serves as an expiation of sin for the year.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "I take account with Allah that it will expiate the sins of the previous year".
After Ashura, the most stressed is the 9th which is called Tasu'a.
Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "If I am alive next year, I will certainly fast the 9th and 10th".
Start your year off in a positive and faithful manner by avoiding as much sin during this sacred month and fasting as much as possible.
Certainly, you cannot miss out on an entire year of forgivness. Plan to fast the 9th and 10th of this month which coincide with Wednesday, 9/19 and Thursday, 9/20.