Right Use of Holidays: Friday Sermon by Maulana Ansar Khateeb Madani at Tanzeem Jumma Masjid Bhatkal

Bhatkal – Delivering the Friday sermon at Tanzeem Jumma Masjid, Maulana Mohammad Ansar Khateeb Madani emphasized the importance of utilizing holidays productively, especially for students currently enjoying vacation from schools, colleges, and madrasas.

The Maulana reminded the congregation that free time is a great blessing from Allah, but if misused, it can become a burden leading to sin. He quoted the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) in which two blessings are often neglected: health and free time.

He also referred to the advice of Imam Shafi’i (RA), who said: “If you do not occupy your soul with truth, it will occupy you with falsehood.” The Khateeb warned that idle time without guidance often leads youth towards immorality, crime, and neglect of religious duties.

Balance Between Rest and Productivity

While acknowledging that students deserve some recreation and relaxation within the limits of Shariah, Maulana Ansar Khateeb Madani highlighted that Islam encourages moderation. He cited the example of the Prophet (PBUH) permitting permissible play in the mosque courtyard by the Banu Arfida, to show that entertainment is allowed as long as it remains within Islamic boundaries.

Guidelines for Parents and Youth

Maulana stressed that parents have a duty to guide their children during holidays by:

Encouraging regular recitation of Qur’anic Surahs such as Surah Al-Kahf, Surah Yaseen, Surah Sajdah, Surah Waqia, and Surah Tabarak.
Developing the habit of morning and evening Azkaar (remembrances).
Connecting children with the Imam of the mosque or local scholars for spiritual mentoring.
Strengthening their knowledge of Seerah (the life of the Prophet PBUH) and Hadith.
Engaging them in acts of social good, such as visiting relatives, caring for the sick, and participating in religious classes.

He further cautioned parents about the dangers of misuse of technology, particularly mobile phones and social media, which can lead to moral corruption and loss of Islamic values if left unchecked.

Concluding the sermon, Maulana Ansar Khateeb Madani urged parents to closely supervise their children and instill in them the habit of spending time in useful, faith-strengthening activities. He prayed:
“May Allah grant our youth the ability to use their free time correctly, bless them with success, and grant parents the strength to fulfil their responsibility of guiding them.”