One of our readers, a graduate student, asked,
How should an individual spend his Ramadan and summer vacations ???
1) Going with Tabligi Jammat for 10-15 days
2) Performing eitakaf (seclusion in mosque for the last 10 days of Ramadhan)
3) Studying the translation and tasfir of Quran e Kareem from a scholar
4) Going to a khanqah to learn how to do remembrance of Allah (dhikr)
5) Get training of Jihad in order to be prepared if a need arises.
6) Not going anywhere. The student gives full attention to his studies. He stays at home and does whatever good deeds that are possible for him
Waiting patiently for your answer … as I am so confused regarding these things
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The following (edited) response is being shared with intention that it will, inshaAllah, benefits others.
Please, remember that each and every person is an individual with his unique state of mind, preferneces, working stlyle, emotions, ancestral-cultural-regional-religious heritage, intellectual-educational-experiential aptitude, involvements, duties, obligations, expectations from family etc etc. Therefore, no single activity from the ones you mentioned can suit all. It is for this reason it is recommended to consult an older, experienced and pious person who knows about you in detail to recommend what is best for you.
I am not aware of your present condition in detail so it will be very difficult for me to recommend anything specific. However, I will mention the pros and cons of each and then you can decide.
1) Going with Tabligi Jammat for 10-15 days
This is the best way for individuals who are very new to deen, un- or moderately educated, living in areas without access to scholars and sufi masters.
2) Performing eitakaf
This is for moderate and advanced seekers. These are individual who have disciplined themselves to an extent and can manage their time effectively and benefit from the solitude. Otherwise people just hang around wasting time.
3) Studying the translation and tasfir of Quran e Kareem from a scholar
More important than this is the basic knowledge of aqaid and everyday fiqh. Beliefs and rulings regarding the correct way of offering our worship. Equally important is tajweed of Quran e kareem. That is reading Quran e kareem with the correct pronunciation. It is the Kalam of Allah, it has to be recited in the way it was revealed. Sadly 99% of Pakistani Muslims read it in Urdu. This is a major sin.
A person who has done these three basic things (aqaid, fiqh & tajweed) then he/she can proceed to study of Quran e kareem’s translation and Hadith sahreef.
4) Going to a khanqah to learn how to do remembrance of Allah (dhikr)
This is a misconception. Khanqah are like inpatient medical facilities where those with spiritiual sickness come for treatment. Zikr in specific ways may be a part of the treatment plan. But it is not the sole objective of staying there.
One has to make sure that it is a genuine khanqah. Not a dargah, where saint or grave worship is done. Also, the Shaykh must be competent spiritual physician and not a hereditary parasite trading in the name of his pious ancestors. And the patient himself must be aware of how to seek and follow instructions given to him.
5) Get training of Jihad in order to be prepared if a need arises.
This is the biggest fitna of our era. A major distraction for the youth.
Without jihad e akbar, that is rectifying your inner morals/ikhlaq, jihad e asghar (physical combat) can never be effective.
In the whole Makkan period of the life of our master Prophet Mohammed (Allah bless him and grant him peace) there was no order of physical jihad. Only spiritual struggle was required.
Also, most of the contemporary jihadi groups are with dubious ‘aqaid, fiqh following & politico-economic affiliations.
It is best to avoid all contact with them.
6) Not going anywhere. The student gives full attention to his studies. He stays at home and does whatever good deeds that are possible for him
This is is the best option. Provided that you use your time effectively and do not waste it, especially on internet, TV, and other impermissible (haram) activities.
Such a person should remain in contact with a spiritual mentor and get advice from him regarding how to spend his time.
was salam