Advice to the Youth...Now that Summer is Here.

Quran For All - In Every Hand, In Every Heart.

"Advice to the Youth...Now that Summer is Here." by Asma bint Shameem

Whew! Summer is finally here and school is out for a whole two and a half months. No more books and backpacks, no more tests and tensions....its time to relax and enjoy!

Surely, you worked hard during the year and you deserve a break. Surely, you want to unwind and enjoy yourself. That matter is understandable. Islam certainly allows for rest after hard work but under certain regulations. Hanzalah bin Aamir once complained to the Prophet (pbuh) that some of his time is intermingled with playing with his children and family. The Prophet (pbuh) answered him,

"But there should be a time for this and a time for serious deeds." (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)

But the question is....to what extent should you go in spending your summer vacation? What is the essence of vacation?
Does it mean mere pastime, attending parties, and hanging out with your friends without direction or purpose?
Does it mean twiddling your thumbs, idling away the hours? Or watching satellite channels and playing endless video games? Or letting the gaze wander free?
And what are some of the positive things in which this summer can be spent?
These are questions that every conscious Muslim who is concerned about his free time, his Aakhirah and the welfare of the youth should ask himself.