By Shaykh Anisul Haque
29 August 2025

﷽ 

Brothers and sisters, as we reach the end of the summer holidays, it is important that we pause and take stock. What have we done with this time? How have we used the past few weeks? And most importantly, how do we move forward with focus, purpose, and a plan?

The end of a break should not signal a return to aimlessness. It should be a moment of clarity. A point of renewal. We need to ask: What direction are we heading in as individuals, as families, and as a community?

Let us begin by recognising something essential: rest is not a weakness. In fact, it is a blessing from Allah. Rest is something necessary for our physical and mental well-being. Allah says in the Qur’an:

This verse is a reminder that rest is part of our design. Just as we are commanded to worship and work, we are also gifted with sleep and downtime. And the Prophet ﷺ taught us through his interactions with the companions that taking breaks is natural, even necessary.

There is a well-known incident recorded by Imam Muslim in his Sahih. Hanzalah al-Usayyidi (RA), who used to write down revelation for the Prophet ﷺ, once met Abu Bakr (RA) and said: “Hanzalah has become a hypocrite!”

Abu Bakr (RA) was shocked. He asked, “What are you saying?”

Hanzalah explained: “When we are with the Prophet ﷺ, and he reminds us about Paradise and Hell, it feels so real, as if we can see them with our own eyes. But when we return home, to our families and daily work, we forget much of what we heard.”

Abu Bakr replied, “I feel the same way.” So both of them went to the Prophet ﷺ and repeated what Hanzalah had said.

The Prophet ﷺ responded:

By the One in Whose hand is my soul, if you were always in the same state as you are when you’re with me, the angels would come down and shake your hands, whether you’re in bed or walking in the streets. (He repeated it three times.)

But Hanzalah, there is a time for this and a time for that 

This shows us something important: it is natural for our Iman to rise and fall. It is part of being human. What matters is that we strike the right balance. Islam is a religion of balance. It calls us to remember Allah, to work for the Hereafter, and to maintain our responsibilities in this world.

So yes, Alhamdulillah, this break has been a time of rest. But now we must shift gears. We must prepare for the next season of life with focus.

One of the most powerful lessons from this summer has been the importance of the family unit. Many of us had the chance to spend quality time with parents, children, and relatives. We visited those we had not seen for a long time. And through this, we were reminded that the strength of our Ummah begins in the home.

Islam places immense value on the family. When the family structure is strong, children grow up with identity, support, and direction. When it is weak or neglected, we see the opposite: confusion, instability, and in some cases, the loss of faith.

Time off from school and work should not be wasted. It is an opportunity to reconnect with our children, our siblings, our elders. If you have not done this yet, do not worry. There is still time. Use these remaining days to be present. To sit with your child. To call your sibling. To visit your parents. Because these simple moments build the foundation of a strong community.

Another beautiful observation this summer has been the growing attachment of our youth to the masajid. Many of us witnessed it. Young people attending classes, volunteering, praying together. In one newly built masjid, the rows were full of youth. And it filled the heart with hope.

But we cannot stop there. This must not be a seasonal thing. We must create environments in our masajid that welcome the youth all year round. This is a shared responsibility. Whether you are on a committee, a volunteer, or a regular attendee – ask yourself: what are we doing to keep our youth engaged? To make them feel that the masjid is their home?

We must give them a space. We must give them a voice. We must allow them to lead.

As we move forward into the next phase, especially for our young people, I want to leave you with three pieces of advice:

1. Renew your intentions

The Prophet ﷺ said:

Verily, deeds are only with intentions, and every person will have only what they intended.

Whatever you are studying, working towards, or planning, make your intention sincere. Make it for the sake of Allah. A job, a degree, a course, all of it can become a path to Jannah if done with the right intention.

2. Aim to grow and improve

Awn ibn Abdullah (RA) said:

“O my son, you must be mindful of Allah. If you are able to be better today than you were yesterday, and to be better tomorrow than you are today, then do so.”

As Muslims, we are not meant to live life on autopilot. Every new day is a chance to be better. Not perfect, just better.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small.

3. Hold firmly to your Islamic identity

We are living in difficult times. Islamophobic attacks are increasing. The voices targeting Muslims are growing louder. And in moments like these, it is the youth who feel the pressure most.

But do not let go of who you are. Your faith is not defined by the media. Your deen is not shaped by the mistakes of others. It is rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah. Be proud of your identity. Hold firm to your values. Do not compromise.

Let your Islam guide your choices. Let your connection to Allah strengthen your confidence.

May Allah grant us all success in the coming year. May He bless our youth, protect our families, and allow our masajid to be filled with life, love, and light. May He guide us to what pleases Him, forgive our shortcomings, and accept our efforts.

Ameen.

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