Right now, many youth are on spring break or will be next week. Spring break is usually spent relaxing, sleeping in and hanging out with friends. However, is that really using our time wisely? For most of us, it’s a two week break and in that time, what is mentioned above is usually how we end up spending our time. In that time we can accomplish so much more by using our time to grow closer to Allah (SWT) and Islam.
Ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet Mohammad (SAW) said:
“There are two blessings which many people lose: (They are) health and free time for doing good.” (Bukhari 8/421)
There are numerous ways to grow closer to Allah (SWT). Some include:
1. Reading Quran
Read the Quran every chance you get and reflect upon everything you are reading. Try and understand the meaning behind everything you are reading and act upon it.
2. Pray your salah
Ensure that you are praying the 5 salah on time without delaying. Take the time to focus on your salah and remember that you are talking to Allah(swt) so give your full attention. With that also try your hardest to pray sunnah.
3. Make Dua
Often times when we get caught up with Dunya we think that we can do everything on our own and forget that we need Allah’s help and strength to guide us. We need to ask Allah to help us and guide us to the straight path.
4. Get to know Allah (SWT) through his beautiful names
We can’t love Allah and get closer to him if we don’t know Him. Learning his names will help increase your love for Allah and know the meaning behind his qualities.
5. Volunteer at a Masjid
Go to your local masjid and see if there are any events or programs happening that you can help out with.
Say, “Indeed, my Lord extends provision for whom He wills of His servants and restricts [it] for him. But whatever thing you spend [in His cause] – He will compensate it; and He is the best of providers.” (34:39)
Any chance you get to volunteer, take it as there is a huge reward.
6. Help someone out
Any chance you get, help someone out. For example your parents. Help your parents out with anything they need or ask of you. Even something small can make someone happy.
7. Spend time with righteous company
Although for some at school it may be hard to surround ourselves with our fellow Muslims, we have the opportunity during this break to do so. Having righteous company can help us in remembering Allah(swt) instead of going away from the right path.
Although there are many more ways, here is how to start to become closer to Allah (SWT). Why waste time sitting around and doing nothing when you could be gaining more knowledge and increasing our iman. We should always value the time we have and use it wisely. It’s never too late to start so if you are still on your break, try and accomplish something that will benefit you and help you grow closer to Allah(SWT).
Abdullah ibn Mas’ud narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said:
“A man shall be asked concerning five things on the day of resurrection: concerning his life, how he spent it; concerning his youth, how he grew old; concerning his wealth, whence he acquired it, and in what way he spent it; and what was it that he did with the knowledge that he had.”
We have the time now when we are young and we have to use it to our advantage as we will be asked how we spent our youth. Just because the break is almost over doesn’t mean you can’t accomplish anything. This is when we should be going harder than ever to gain the most that we can and have a strong ending. Now there’s nothing wrong with relaxing and having fun however that’s not all we should be doing. Imagine being able to say that you spent your break focusing on your relationship with Allah (SWT). I can say that would be a break well spent!
