Spiritual Planning for the Summer
In life, anything worthwhile requires careful planning and a strategic approach. It is a principle rooted in the teachings of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, which reminds us that success, whether it occurs spiritually, personally, or within a family setting, requires intentionality and mindfulness. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Any matter of importance that is not commenced with the praise of Allah remains defective” (Abu Dawud). It is a way of life that ensures our actions are purposeful and productive.
For believers, this means not only planning for worldly matters but also dedicating equal, if not more, attention to spiritual planning. Just as we meticulously manage our finances, we must invest in nurturing our souls and seizing the opportunities Allah provides.
Two of Allah’s greatest blessings—good health and free time—are often taken for granted. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Two blessings which many people squander: Good health and free time” (Sunan Ibn Majah). These gifts offer immense potential for growth but can also lead to ruin if misused.
Our children’s lives are profoundly shaped by these blessings, and as parents, we should recognize their importance. With summer just around the corner, families, especially youth, are finding themselves with more free time. There is a great opportunity for growth during this season, but it also carries the risk of wasting potential. As parents, we must ask ourselves: How can we use this time to strengthen our bond with our children and guide them toward meaningful pursuits?
During his lifetime, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was a master at building others up, particularly the youth. His interactions were marked by empathy and care, making people feel valued and respected. For instance, when a young boy grieved over his pet bird, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ comforted him with compassion, teaching us the importance of connecting with others on a personal level. Anas bin Malik reported that the Messenger of Allah used to mix with us to the extent that he would say to a younger brother of mine, ‘O Aba `Umair! What did the Nughair (a kind of bird) do?” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
As parents, we can emulate this example by engaging with our children thoughtfully, helping them see life as more than just fleeting pleasures. By instilling a sense of purpose and self-worth, we can guide them to approach life with a refined and elevated outlook.
Life is precious and fleeting. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ reminded us to “take advantage of five before five”: youth before old age, health before sickness, wealth before poverty, free time before becoming busy, and life before death (Shu’ab al-Imān). These teachings urge us to prioritize what truly matters. For youth, this perspective is transformative. Their focus shifts from immediate gratification to long-term growth, enabling them to lead lives of integrity and responsibility.
Today’s youth face significant challenges, including a lack of commitment, patience, and self-control. These issues contribute to societal problems such as broken relationships, unstable careers, and mental health struggles. As parents, we must address these challenges by fostering resilience, responsibility, and a sense of duty in our children.
Summer, often seen as a carefree season, can be a turning point in a young person’s life. It can either be a time of growth or a period of regression. Parents must ensure that their children’s summer activities—whether vacations, community service, or personal development—contribute positively to their character and faith.
As we approach summer, let us view it as an opportunity for spiritual and personal growth, for ourselves and our families. May Allah bless this time, strengthen our faith, and protect us and our children from all sources of corruption.
Imam Basheer Abdeen