The Camp Has Ended, But ʿIbādah Continues By Mutohhir Abdulhamid Olanrewaju

The camp has come to an end. The tents are folded, the noise has faded, and friends have returned to their various homes. Yet one important question lingers in our hearts: will our connection with Allah end the same way the camp has ended?

Islam teaches us that worship (ʿibādah) is not seasonal, nor is it confined to specific places or moments. Fathi Yakan, in his book What Does It Mean to Be a Muslim?, explains that ʿibādah in Islam is total submission to Allah, rooted in constant consciousness of His greatness. It is a living bond between the Creator and His servants, a bond that also shapes how we relate with one another.

Allah makes this purpose clear in the Qur’an: “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (Qur’an 51:56). This verse settles the matter completely, ʿibādah is our life’s mission, not a temporary camp experience.

As youths, we must understand that every moment of our lives carries weight. Shaykh Dhikrullahi Shafi‘i reminded us beautifully that we have all reached the age of responsibility. 

From this stage onward, angels accompany us constantly, recording our deeds. Allah says: “Indeed, over you are guardians, noble and recording; they know whatever you do.”

(Qur’an 82:10–12)

This means that our prayers, character, choices, online conduct, and even our intentions all form part of our worship.

This camp was not merely an event organized by Standard Bearers; it reflects a broader effort across the nation where Islamic camps gather young Muslims for a purpose far greater than recreation. On the campsite, we prayed together, ate together, laughed together, memorized the Qur’an together, and learned from scholars of diverse backgrounds. These moments were not ordinary, they were divine opportunities meant to refine and transform us.

In today’s world, the word camp may suggest something temporary, but Islam gives it a deeper meaning. Allah preserved the People of the Cave, as mentioned in the Qur’an, teaching us that sincerity and steadfastness can protect faith even in the hardest times. Likewise, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would retreat to the Cave of Ḥirāʾ, engaging in deep reflection and sincere search for the truth before revelation came.

For a conscious youth, a camp should serve as a spiritual charging station, a place where weak īmān is strengthened, hearts are softened, sins are abandoned, and a renewed commitment to Allah is born.

Yes, the camp has ended because everything in this world must come to an end. As the scholars say: Kullu dhī bidāyatin nihāyah, everything that has a beginning must have an end, except Allah. But ʿibādah has no closing ceremony.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī & Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim). This ḥadīth reminds us that Allah does not demand perfection; He calls us to consistency. Sustain the prayers you established at camp. Hold firmly to the Qur’an you memorized. Preserve the noble character you cultivated. Keep the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood alive.

Our respected mentors, Dr. Zafaran, Dr. Khidir, Shaykh Qamaruddeen, Ustādh Hārūn, Shaykh Dhikrullahi Shafi‘i, Ustādh Peleowo, Abu Anas, Dr. Ibrahim Mogaji, Abu ʿĀʾishah, and others have delivered their trust. Now, the journey becomes personal. What we do after the camp is the real test.

The Prophet ﷺ also said: “Be mindful of Allah wherever you are.”

(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Tirmidhī; reported with authentic meaning)

Wherever life takes you, campus or workplace, mosque or marketplace remember that you represent Islam. Do not only tell people that you are a Muslim. Let them see Islam in your prayers, honesty, humility, and character.

The camp has ended but may our ʿibādah continue until we meet Allah.