Central Khutbah: “Vacation is an Opportunity for the Diligent” (Video)

Summer break is a treasure for the astute student, and vacation is a treasure for every worker.

Reflect and take lessons. One of the goals of travel in Islam is to learn from the events that befell previous peoples. In the Quran, it is repeatedly commanded to travel and explore the Earth: “Say: Travel through the land, then observe how was the end of those who denied [the truth]!” (Al-An’am, 11)
The natural beauties, waterfalls, rivers, and mountains that are permanent tourist destinations are merely signs of the beauty of Allah’s creation. The Most High says: “Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.” (Al Imran, 190)
“He created the heavens without pillars that you see, and has cast into the earth firmly set mountains, lest it should shift with you, and dispersed therein from every creature. And We sent down rain from the sky and made grow therein [plants] of every noble kind. This is the creation of Allah. So show Me what those other than Him have created. Rather, the wrongdoers are in clear error.” (Luqman, 10-11)

The true journey is a journey with books. It is reported that someone asked the grand vizier Ebul-Velid why he was always seen with books in his hands. “You hold a high position. Hire someone to carry your books. It is not fitting for you,” they said.

Ebul-Velid refused; he did not want to part from his books. He utilized every moment to read.

They tailored their clothes so that one pocket was always larger than the other to hold a book. Should it be mentioned how large books were at that time? And yet, despite everything, they were the faithful friends of those who fully understood the value of the First Revelation.

Imam al-Bukhari was asked how to increase memory power, and he replied: “Constantly looking into books (reading).”

On one occasion, a ruler was discussing with his friends the inspiring places they had visited, describing the beauties of Samarkand, Baghdad, Damascus… Among them was Ibn Dureyd, a poet and philologist. He addressed them with the famous words: “All that you have mentioned are rest stops for the eyes. Where are your rest stops for the heart?” The attendees were puzzled and asked him to explain. Then Ibn Dureyd began to list famous literary works such as Uyun al-Akhbar, and so on.

Indeed, the scholars of our Ummah discovered where these rest stops are located. Once they visited them, they always returned.

Ibn Ukdah had a collection of books that required 600 camels to transport! Hard to imagine.

What should be avoided during travel or vacation is excess in spending and excess in eating and drinking. The Quran clearly states: “Do not keep your hand tied to your neck nor extend it completely, lest you become blameworthy and insolvent.” (Al-Isra, 29)
Let’s avoid showing off and boasting of our wealth and blessings in front of those to whom Allah has not given the same wealth and blessings as we have. Let’s be modest and grateful. Jabir b. Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with him, reports that the Prophet, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, once asked his family for a condiment for food, but they told him there was nothing except vinegar, so the Prophet, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, ate with vinegar and said: “What an excellent condiment is vinegar! What an excellent condiment is vinegar!” (Muslim)
During travels, let’s avoid places that do not please Allah, especially places of alcohol, fornication, and nudity. Abu Sa’id al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, reports that the Prophet, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “Avoid sitting on the roadsides.” They said: “O Messenger of Allah, we need to sit on the roadside to talk.” The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “If you must sit, then give the road its right.” “What is the right of the road, O Messenger of Allah?” they asked, and he replied: “Lowering the gaze, removing harm, returning greetings, and enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong.” (Muslim)
Thus, vacation should be our physical relief, intellectual advancement, and training in moderation in every aspect.

What will certainly help on this path is making a concrete plan of activities during the vacation.
For example, Surah Al-Mulk has 30 verses. If we were to learn 2 verses per day over two weeks, we would return from our vacation as hufadh of this surah, and that would be the best souvenir and constant reminder of that journey.
Another example: during the break, read the translation of the Noble Quran and/or the biography of the Prophet, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.
Read 30-40 pages daily to complete the desired reading within 15-20 days.
Between Maghrib and Isha, learn two letters per day and complete the study of the soufara in two weeks.
Remember: Concrete plans yield concrete results!

We ask the Lord to rest our bodies and hearts in what is halal and in the beauties that please Him.

(Central khutbah by the religious leader Hafiz Hilmija Redžić on July 12, 2024, at the “Centre Islamique Gazi Isa-beg” in Esch-sur-Alzette)