The Summer Break For Muslim Students: A Full Guide on How to Spend Your Summer Vacation

Author

Horeya

2/12/2023

Table of Content

Summer Break is here. Remember those long, endless days of writing essays, and reading material for class? And the suffering of staying up till dawn studying articles, and preparing for exams?

Well, no more of that; for the glorious summer break is upon us. So, buckle up, lads! We are going on a flight together to know how to make the most out of our precious summer break.

What is the summer break?

We are sure that you know all about summer break, but for those who might have a different term to describe it, we shall bestow our knowledge upon them.

Summer break is the fresh wave of air that comes on the most humid day of summer, the drink of water one has after wandering in the deserts for days, and the feeling of our feet touching the water after burning in the beach sand.

Summer break is the pure taste of leisure and free time, and smells like freedom and having fun without feeling guilty over the unfinished assignments, or the yet-to-be-read chapter.

Simply, Summer break is the long holiday that follows the end of the academic year, occupying the summer months - hence the name summer break. During the summer break, students stop worrying about their academic achievements and start seeking out fun, and relaxation.

Importance of Summer Break for Muslims?

Summer break is a great opportunity for Muslims to engage in activities that contribute to personal, spiritual, and community development.

Remember to strike a balance between spiritual activities, personal development, and relaxation during the summer break. The key is to use this time wisely, seeking opportunities for growth and connection with Allah and the community.

The summer break holds significance for Muslims as it provides a unique opportunity for spiritual, personal, and communal growth. Here are some reasons why the summer break is important for Muslims:

1. Spiritual Renewal:

The summer break offers a chance for Muslims to rejuvenate their spiritual well-being. With a break from the routine of work or school, individuals can focus on strengthening their connection with Allah through increased worship, prayer, and reflection.

2. Quranic Studies:

Muslims can dedicate more time to the study and recitation of the Quran during the summer break. This allows for a deeper understanding of the scripture and provides an opportunity to memorize or revise verses.

3. Educational Pursuits:

The break offers the flexibility for Muslims to engage in Islamic education and learning. Whether through attending workshops, courses, or reading Islamic literature, individuals can enhance their knowledge of the faith.

4. Community Engagement:

Summer often sees an increase in community events, including Islamic camps, conferences, and activities. This allows Muslims to actively participate in their local communities, fostering unity and a sense of belonging.

5. Quality Family Time:

With more time available, Muslims can focus on building and strengthening family bonds. Engaging in activities, sharing meals, and creating lasting memories contribute to a sense of togetherness and love within the family.

6. Personal Development:

The summer break provides an excellent opportunity for personal development. Muslims can use this time to work on self-improvement, set goals, and develop positive habits that align with Islamic values.

7. Nature and Contemplation:

Spending time in nature during the summer break can be a spiritually enriching experience. Muslims are encouraged to reflect on the signs of Allah in the natural world, fostering a sense of awe and gratitude.

8. Ibadah and Worship:

The longer days of summer provide more time for voluntary acts of worship, such as night prayers (Qiyam-ul-Layl) and additional acts of charity. Muslims can take advantage of these opportunities to increase their devotion.

9. Dawah and Outreach:

Muslims can actively engage in dawah (invitation to Islam) and outreach during the summer break. This includes building bridges with the wider community, dispelling misconceptions about Islam, and sharing the message of peace.

10. Cultural Exploration:

Summer break can be an ideal time for Muslims to explore and appreciate diverse cultures, both within the Islamic world and beyond. This can deepen cultural understanding and foster harmony among different communities.

11. Physical Well-being:

Engaging in physical activities during the summer break aligns with Islamic principles of maintaining good health. Muslims are encouraged to take care of their bodies and participate in sports, outdoor activities, or fitness routines.

12. Digital Detox:

The break offers an opportunity for a digital detox, allowing Muslims to reduce screen time and focus on meaningful, offline interactions. This can contribute to improved mental well-being and a more mindful lifestyle.

13. Eid Celebrations:

The summer break often includes the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. This festive occasion allows Muslims to come together, express gratitude, and celebrate the spiritual achievements of the month.

In summary, the summer break is valuable for Muslims as it provides a conducive environment for spiritual reflection, learning, community engagement, and personal development. It allows individuals to recharge, refocus on their faith, and actively contribute to the well-being of themselves and their communities.

Unlock the secrets of the Quran with Sahlah Academy! Our certified educators, trained in the esteemed al-Azhar tradition, offer expert-led Quranic studies to deepen your understanding of Islam's holiest text.

Here are some suggestions for what Muslims can do during the summer break:

What to do during the summer break For Muslims?

There are many things to do during the summer break, and we have chosen only a few of them to share with you today, hoping to give you some ideas for you to personalize.

1- Learn the Quran:

Memorizing the Quran is one of the best activities to do during the summer camp break; as it can cleanse all the exhaustion of the year in the blink of an eye.

If reading the Quran is like touching a piece of heaven, memorizing the Quran is having that piece of heaven inside your heart. So, dedicating at least half an hour every day to reading and studying the Quran is high on the list of how to spend your summer vacation.

2- Take summer Training With Online Schools:

There are several summer training offered in online schools that could be helpful for you, especially for the specific subjects you have a problem with. Sahlah Academy provides special summer programs that will help you in your learning journey.

3- Hitting the gym:

Going to school and attending classes would help keep you relatively fit, but how would one keep fit during the summer break, then? Well, through going to the gym, for sure.

The gym doesn’t only help keep you fit, but it also is an outlet to negative emotions and a charger of energy. So, going to the gym regularly must be on the list of what to do during the summer break.

4- Picking up a hobby:

The summer break is the perfect time to pick up a hobby; some poetry composition, fiction writing and reading, drawing…etc; as the school, time is usually so busy, and we are mostly occupied with assignments, readings, classes, and exams, with little to no time for anything else

5- Reading is your new friend:

During the summer break, reading can be your new best friend. Since the school year is over, you can have some time to catch up on some books and scratch them off the “To Be Read” list.

Reading should be amongst your plan of how to spend the summer vacation; as it is also another fun way to learn more about the topics that interest you more; so that you can learn and have fun at the same time.

6- Go out more and meet your friends:

Going out and meeting your friends is the perfect plan to beat how school has a habit of choking our social life to death slowly, while you are watching from the corner of your life how your friends slip away, and your family members bond without you.

Well! The summer break is a chance to change that; as you have all the time you want to attend family gatherings and meet up with your friends, bringing your social life back to life.

7- Stay home and have some time for yourself:

To all the introverts out there, I too have become a zombie from all the socializing we must do during the school year, but Alhamdulillah we can recharge our energy within the comfort zone of our rooms, living in peace away from the high beat of the world.

So, to my fellow introverts, you might want to have meditation, either in your room or a remote garden, on your list of what to do during the summer break.

8- Take part in social work:

While you are enjoying your life to the maximum, and are trying to restore what has withered in your soul with the pressure of the exams, don’t forget your society.

Indulging in social work, and taking care of your community isn’t boring or lame, but it’s a fun and a safe way to get used to holding responsibility and improving your life-related skills; such as solving problems, decision-making, and witty and quick thinking.

9- Listening to podcasts:

Listening to podcasts is a fun way to spend the summer break, broaden your horizons, and to become aware of the different perspectives of an issue all at the same time; the summer break isn’t about not doing things, but rather doing things in a fun way.

These podcasts can aim at improving and practicing a certain language, knowing more about a field of knowledge, discussing how to improve a certain skill, or having a stronger spiritual relationship with Allah.

10- Learn Islamic Studies:

If you want to learn Islamic studies for kids, join Sahlah Academy and you can enroll in our Islamic online School and Islamic homeschooling.

Cheer up, and let’s shake all the pressure and tension off our shoulders, and start a fresh, fun, and unforgettable summer break this year. Don’t forget to share with us your plans for this year’s summer break.

11. Quranic Studies:

Dedicate time to reading, reciting, and understanding the Quran. Set personal goals for memorization or delve into tafsir (exegesis) to deepen your understanding of the verses.

12. Spiritual Reflection and Goal Setting:

Reflect on your spiritual journey and set goals for self-improvement. Identify areas for personal growth, and make a plan to enhance your relationship with Allah.

13. Islamic Learning Programs:

Enroll in online or local Islamic courses to expand your knowledge on various topics such as fiqh (jurisprudence), hadith, Islamic history, or the Arabic language.

14. Volunteer and Community Service:

Engage in community service and volunteer work. Participate in initiatives that contribute to the well-being of your local community, such as food drives, charity events, or community clean-ups.

15. Summer Islamic Camps:

Attend or organize Islamic summer camps for spiritual and educational enrichment. These camps often provide a holistic experience, combining learning, outdoor activities, and community building.

16. Physical Fitness:

Focus on physical health by incorporating regular exercise into your routine. Whether it's walking, jogging, swimming, or participating in sports, maintaining physical well-being is encouraged in Islam.

17. Environmental Stewardship:

Take care of the environment by participating in eco-friendly activities. Plant trees, clean up public spaces, or educate others about the importance of environmental conservation from an Islamic perspective.

18. Cultural and Educational Travel:

Plan educational trips to historical Islamic sites, museums, or places of religious significance. Traveling with the intention of learning and gaining cultural insights can be spiritually rewarding.

19. Islamic Book Reading:

Read books that enhance your understanding of Islam like Islamic Studies Books. Explore works on Islamic theology, spirituality, and contemporary issues. Join or form a book club to discuss these readings with others.

20. Family Bonding:

Strengthen family ties by spending quality time together. Engage in activities such as family picnics, game nights, or outings that foster a sense of unity and love within the family.

21. Dawah and Outreach:

Get involved in sharing the message of Islam through dawah (invitation). Organize or participate in events that promote understanding and dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims.

22. Learning a New Skill:

Use the summer break to learn a new skill or hobby that aligns with Islamic values. This could include calligraphy, Arabic language learning, or traditional Islamic arts.

23. Healthy Eating Habits:

Focus on maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. Follow the Sunnah of moderation in eating and choose foods that are beneficial for both physical and spiritual well-being.

24. Digital Detox and Mindfulness:

Take a break from excessive screen time and engage in mindfulness activities. Spend time in nature, practice meditation, or simply reflect on the blessings of life.

25. Civic Engagement:

Participate in civic activities that align with Islamic principles, such as advocating for justice, promoting social welfare, and engaging in discussions that contribute positively to society.