By Abdullahi Jamaa
Like extended infinite lines, in life things appear parallel and endless, always scattered, always unfinished. That is why we find ourselves chasing different things at the same time. Don’t feel compunction though, it’s the nature of human being to experience so.
Many times we run after the world like something else and on the way we forget the reason behind our creation. Most of these things we look for are fundamentally genuine: the family bills, career and occupation, so still we believe we have an excuse .
In daily melee of life our brains and minds are fixed to acquire more and more of the world consequently detaching ourselves from the reality of both worlds. We end up toiling for an elusive success , overworking our fragile physique.
That is why these days our weekends and holidays no longer count . Everyday is a working day for us leaving us with little or no time at all to rejuvenate both our spiritual and physical stamina. So our energy keeps on sapping antagonizing our world further.
On Monday morning we often find ourselves weak and tired. We can’t believe that the weekend is already gone and we are back to work looking forward to another. The same happens over and over again leaving us generally unproductive. Hold on, another weekend is here….
Here is how to stimulate your weekend spiritually :
A night of prayer
We are required to perform Qiyamulayl through out our life but this is often difficult for many people because of the nature of their work. Dedicate one night during your weekend to start the foundation for this important sunnah . Wake up at 3 or 4am preferably on Saturday night since you have all Sunday to compensate for your sleep .
Use this opportunity to improve your connection with Allah. Reaffirm your faith and ask Allah for guidance through prayers and duas. It’s a little effort but amazing, in the end, with the Help of Allah, you will find yourself doing it every single night .
The prophet (SAW) said in an authentic hadith that waking up late night, remembering Allah, making ablution and then standing up for prayer makes one more active and joyful.
Take stock of your Ibadah
Caliph Omar (RA) said : “The wisest man is he who can account for his actions.” Every weekend take stock of your spiritual journey. Account for your good and bad deeds. Take an hour or two to understand your soul. Tick the right check boxes and cross the wrong ones. Plan spiritually for the following week with clear objectives.
Conduct a family meeting
For parents this session offers a fantastic opportunity to establish Islamic family values. During these hectic days it’s hard to find time for family issues. A weekend family meeting offers a rare chance to interrogate the role and responsibilities of each member while planning for the week ahead.
Here parents get a chance to know what their children are doing at school including their performance and how to improve . Discipline is instilled in a very diplomatic and wise way to maintain understanding and productivity.
At this point parents and grandparents can practically demonstrate how to offer compulsory prayers especially to young children . The meeting will act as a family class and ends with a deserving family dinner or outing . Close this with a family prayer, thanking Allah for the blessings .
Enjoy your weekend……..
