الإِجَازَةُ الصَيْفِيَّةُ… تِجَارَةُ الأَذْكِـيَاءِ : Summer Vacation… The Smart Choice

أَعُوذُ بِاللّٰهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

In the name of ALLAH, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

الإِجَازَةُ الصَيْفِيَّةُ… تِجَارَةُ الأَذْكِـيَاءِ

Summer Vacation… The Smart Choice

Praise be to Allah, who has appointed times as an arena for action and lifespans as stages for sowing and hope. We bear witness that there is no deity but Allah alone, with no partner; He made the night and the day succeed one another for those who wish to reflect or show gratitude. We also bear witness that our master and prophet, Muhammad, peace be upon him, is the servant and messenger of Allah; he guided his Ummah to the paths of goodness and warned them against heedlessness and the squandering of their lives. May the prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, his family, and his companions—people of high resolve and lasting legacy. This is the recited verse and its translation from Surah Luqman:

أَمَّا بَعْدُ، فاعوذ باللہ من الشیطان الرجیم- بسم اللہ الرحمن الرحیم

وَإِذۡ قَالَ لُقۡمَـٰنُ لِٱبۡنِهِۦ وَهُوَ يَعِظُهُ ۥ يَـٰبُنَىَّ لَا تُشۡرِكۡ بِٱللَّهِ‌ۖ إِنَّ ٱلشِّرۡكَ لَظُلۡمٌ عَظِيمٌ۬ (١٣) وَوَصَّيۡنَا ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ بِوَٲلِدَيۡهِ حَمَلَتۡهُ أُمُّهُ ۥ وَهۡنًا عَلَىٰ وَهۡنٍ۬ وَفِصَـٰلُهُ ۥ فِى عَامَيۡنِ أَنِ ٱشۡڪُرۡ لِى وَلِوَٲلِدَيۡكَ إِلَىَّ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ (١٤) وَإِن جَـٰهَدَاكَ عَلَىٰٓ أَن تُشۡرِكَ بِى مَا لَيۡسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلۡمٌ۬ فَلَا تُطِعۡهُمَا‌ۖ وَصَاحِبۡهُمَا فِى ٱلدُّنۡيَا مَعۡرُوفً۬ا‌ۖ وَٱتَّبِعۡ سَبِيلَ مَنۡ أَنَابَ إِلَىَّ‌ۚ ثُمَّ إِلَىَّ مَرۡجِعُكُمۡ فَأُنَبِّئُڪُم بِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ (١٥) يَـٰبُنَىَّ إِنَّہَآ إِن تَكُ مِثۡقَالَ حَبَّةٍ۬ مِّنۡ خَرۡدَلٍ۬ فَتَكُن فِى صَخۡرَةٍ أَوۡ فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ أَوۡ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ يَأۡتِ بِہَا ٱللَّهُ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَطِيفٌ خَبِيرٌ۬ (١٦) يَـٰبُنَىَّ أَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَأۡمُرۡ بِٱلۡمَعۡرُوفِ وَٱنۡهَ عَنِ ٱلۡمُنكَرِ وَٱصۡبِرۡ عَلَىٰ مَآ أَصَابَكَ‌ۖ إِنَّ ذَٲلِكَ مِنۡ عَزۡمِ ٱلۡأُمُورِ (١٧) وَلَا تُصَعِّرۡ خَدَّكَ لِلنَّاسِ وَلَا تَمۡشِ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مَرَحًا‌ۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخۡتَالٍ۬ فَخُورٍ۬ (١٨) وَٱقۡصِدۡ فِى مَشۡيِكَ وَٱغۡضُضۡ مِن صَوۡتِكَ‌ۚ إِنَّ أَنكَرَ ٱلۡأَصۡوَٲتِ لَصَوۡتُ ٱلۡحَمِيرِ (١٩)

And (remember) when Luqmân said to his son when he was advising him: "O my son! Join not in worship others with Allâh. Verily! Joining others in worship with Allâh is a great Zûlm (wrong) indeed.[] (13) And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years — give thanks to Me and to your parents, unto Me is the final destination.[] (14) But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not, but behave with them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to Me in repentance and in obedience. Then to Me will be your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do. (15) "O my son! If it be (anything) equal to the weight of a grain of mustard seed, and though it be in a rock, or in the heavens or in the earth, Allâh will bring it forth. Verily, Allâh is Subtle (in bringing out that grain), Well¬Aware (of its place). (16) "O my son! Aqim¬As¬Salât (perform As¬Salât), enjoin (on people) Al¬Ma'rûf (Islâmic Monotheism and all that is good), and forbid (people) from Al¬Munkar (i.e. disbelief in the Oneness of Allâh, polytheism of all kinds and all that is evil and bad), and bear with patience whatever befalls you. Verily, these are some of the important commandments (ordered by Allâh with no exemption). (17) "And turn not your face away from men with pride, nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, Allâh likes not any arrogant boaster[] (18) "And be moderate (or show no insolence) in your walking, and lower your voice. Verily, the harshest of all voices is the braying of the ass." (19)

Surah Luqman – 13-19

O servants of ALLAH: Fear ALLAH and Adopt piety and obey ALLAH, and know that our lives are an arena for action, and the days are opportunities that people utilize in varying degrees. Truly, the fortunate one is he who fills his time with what benefits him, and makes his worldly life a path toward Allah’s pleasure and success in the Hereafter. Among the blessing, ALLAH bestows upon His servants is that He opens doors of goodness for them at all times. One of the greatest of these opportunities arises during holidays and periods of leisure, when the demands of studies and work subside and time becomes more abundant. In such moments, a person is better able to reflect on themselves, organize their priorities, and invest their days in pursuits that benefit both their spiritual and worldly life. ALLAH guides us to make the most of this great blessing, saying in Surah Al Asr:

وَٱلۡعَصۡرِ (١) إِنَّ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ لَفِى خُسۡرٍ (٢) إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ وَتَوَاصَوۡاْ بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوۡاْ بِٱلصَّبۡرِ (٣)

By Al-'Asr (the time). (1) Verily, man is in loss, (2) Except those who believe (in Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth (i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al-Ma'ruf) which Allâh has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al-Munkar) which Allâh has forbidden), and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allâh's Cause during preaching His religion of Islâmic Monotheism or Jihâd). (3)

Surah Al Asr – 1-3

O Believers: How many young men have found their vacation to be a turning point in their lives—investing its days in self-development and emerging with a more mature mind, higher resolve, and a stronger character? Conversely, how many others have squandered their hours in idle amusement and heedlessness, emerging only with a lethargic spirit and the regret of wasted time? A believer knows no idleness that severs him from noble pursuits; rather, whenever he finishes one task, he moves on to something beneficial. Thus, Allah the Almighty says in Surah Ash Sharah:

فَإِذَا فَرَغۡتَ فَٱنصَبۡ (٧) وَإِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ فَٱرۡغَب (٨)

So when you have finished (your occupation), devote yourself for Allâh's worship. (7) And to your Lord (Alone) turn (all your) intentions and hopes. (8)

Surah Ash Sharah – 7-8

Vacation, O servants of Allah, is a comprehensive endeavor for human development—an undertaking that uplifts the spirit, cultivates the mind, strengthens character, broadens horizons, and instills discipline and a sense of responsibility. Therefore, begin by building your relationship with Allah Almighty: maintain your prayers, engage frequently in the remembrance of Allah, and remain steadfast with the Holy Quran—memorizing, reciting, and reflecting upon it. Allah the Almighty says in Surah Al Ahzab and Surah Saad as in order:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱذۡكُرُواْ ٱللَّهَ ذِكۡرً۬ا كَثِيرً۬ا- وَقَالَ سُبْحَانَهُ: كِتَـٰبٌ أَنزَلۡنَـٰهُ إِلَيۡكَ مُبَـٰرَكٌ۬ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوٓاْ ءَايَـٰتِهِ

O you who believe! Remember Allâh with much remembrance. And He, Glory be to Him, said: (This is) a Book (the Qur'ân) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its Verses.

Surah Al Ahzab – 41 and Surah Sad-29-Part

For the Quran is a light for the intellect, a source of steadfastness for the heart, and a means of elevation for the human being in both this world and the Hereafter. Furthermore, broaden your knowledge through reading and study, learning languages, and developing skills in technology, communication, and public speaking, as well as by training yourselves in critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving; for minds grow through learning, and the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "Whoever follows a path seeking knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise." Seize the opportunities offered during vacation periods—such as summer centers, Quranic study circles, educational programs, vocational courses, and youth or volunteer initiatives. These activities build confidence, instill a spirit of leadership, and open doors to achievement and ambition; indeed, a single course can be the catalyst for discovering a talent, changing one’s life path, or shaping a future.

Servants of Allah: Making the most of your vacation means making a positive impact on your family and community; so, assist your parents, maintain ties of kinship, and engage in serving others—for the soul is elevated through giving, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people." Furthermore, strive to keep the company of ambitious, diligent, and hardworking individuals, as one’s spirit is influenced by those with whom one associates; indeed, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "A person follows the way of their close friend, so let each of you consider whom they befriend." It is a mark of wisdom for a person to strike a balance during their vacation between seriousness and rest, and between productive activity and recreation; one should neither let recreation become a state of heedlessness that squanders one’s life, nor let serious endeavor become a burden that drains one’s vitality. The Prophet (peace be upon him) pointed to this vital balance when he said to Hanzalah (may Allah be pleased with him): "There is a time for this and a time for that." Thus, permissible recreation—when pursued with the right intention—serves to renew one’s energy, strengthen one’s resolve, and sustain one’s journey through life.

So fear Allah, O servants of Allah, and make the most of this vacation by engaging in activities that benefit you in both your religious and worldly affairs; for a person is accountable for their life and their youth. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The feet of a servant will not move on the Day of Resurrection until he is asked about his life—how he spent it........" Therefore, seek help from Allah and do not give in to incapacity, and make excellent use of your lives before they slip away.

أقولُ مَا تَسْمَعُونَ، وَأَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ العَظِيمَ لِي وَلَكُمْ، فَاسْتَغْفِرُوهُ يَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ، إِنَّهُ هُوَ الغَفُورُالرَّحِيمُ، وَادْعُوهُ يَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ، إِنَّهُ هُوَ البَرُّ الكَرِيمُ

I say what you hear, and I ask forgiveness from ALLAH Almighty for me and for you, so ask forgiveness from Him and He will forgive you, for He is the Forgiving and Merciful, and pray to Him and He will answer you, for He is The noble righteousness.

الحَمْدُ للهِ الَّذِي هَدَانَا لِهَذا وَمَا كُنَّا لِنَهْتَدِيَ لَوْلا أَنْ هَدَانَا اللهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلاةً وَسَلامًا دَائِمَيْنِ إِلَى يَوْمِ الدِّينِ، وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ وَأَتْبَاعِهِ المُقْتَفِينَ آثَارَهُ وَخُطَاهُ

Praise be to Allah, Who has guided us to this; and we would not have been guided had Allah not guided us. I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad, peace be upon him, is the Messenger of Allah—may prayers and peace be upon him, enduring until the Day of Judgment, and upon his family, his companions, and his followers who walk in his footsteps and follow his path.

To proceed: Fear Allah—O servants of Allah—and know that one of the most important things a person should attend to during vacations is cultivating virtuous habits that refine the soul, shape character, and guide the course of life. Great achievements do not begin with sudden leaps; rather, they start with simple actions that one consistently maintains until they become an integral part of one’s daily routine and life. Thus, the summer vacation serves as an ideal opportunity to instill these habits. Given the abundance of time and the lack of pressing engagements, some people use this period as a starting point to commit to the Holy Quran, consistently attend congregational prayers, cultivate a reading habit, or organize their day and invest their time in beneficial pursuits—until, over time, these actions transform into established habits and yield tangible results. Indeed, the Prophet, peace be upon him, said...

"The deeds most beloved to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are few." Indeed, when the soul is accustomed to goodness, it grows fond of it; conversely, if left to disorder and idleness, it becomes habituated to lethargy and the squandering of one's life. Therefore, beware of the bad habits that creep in during times of leisure—such as staying up late and becoming excessively attached to devices and games—for a habit begins small but eventually consumes one's time and attention, making it difficult to break free. Allah the Almighty says in Surah Al Kahf:

وَلَا تُطِعۡ مَنۡ أَغۡفَلۡنَا قَلۡبَهُ ۥ عَن ذِكۡرِنَا وَٱتَّبَعَ هَوَٮٰهُ وَكَانَ أَمۡرُهُ ۥ فُرُطً۬ا

and obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our Remembrance, and who follows his own lusts and whose affair (deeds) has been lost.

Surah Al Kahf – 28-Part

Raise your children to be disciplined and responsible and set an example for them in making good use of time; for children learn more from actions than from words.

So, fear Allah—O servants of Allah—and let this vacation mark the beginning of habits that lead you to success in this world and prosperity in the Hereafter.