Gratitude! At the mention of this word, all of us think of many incidents in our life where we have been grateful to someone for their help or even their presence in our life. Gratitude is one of the main factors in the life of a Muslim. Islam speaks highly of practising gratitude. Gratitude to Allah (glorified and exalted be He) holds high in its pedestal. There are simple things we can do to show our gratitude to our Creator for all that He has given us and continues to give us. Subhan Allah!

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page.

When a monotonous year-round routine takes its toll on you and when the conscious yearning to bathe in the diversity that Allah has decorated this world with gently nudges you, it is time to officially slide into the holiday mood and enjoy the blessings, benefits and learning Allah (glorified and exalted be He) has placed therein. Allah (glorified and exalted be He) says in the Quran:

Say, (O Muhammad), “Travel through the land and observe how He began creation. Then Allah will produce the final creation. Indeed Allah , over all things, is competent.” [Qur'an: Chapter 29, Verse 20]

We have all had great holidays at some point in our lives, at times with family or friends and at times in one’s own solitary company. Some of us have traveled more frequently and widely, while others less so. Experience, the most effective teacher, coaches us in making one’s holiday trip not only fun and productive but also free of unpleasant circumstances and worries. Here is a set of things that one should do before embarking on a journey: