My first day of university was like a school disco – music revelling
from every corner of the campus. Was I at the right place? Manning up some
courage, I took out an excel gum, bought for a scenario just like this, and
descended to HW408 for my first lecture of the day. Students sort of gathered
in small groups at the door, no one really talking to anyone. I was hugely excited about my courses
but after seeing how everyone was dressed, I became a little frightened of what
might be in store for me over the year. Why don’t students dress professionally
in the house of learning? Everyone gets nervous before they start university, it’s
perfectly normal. The lecture hall filled up quickly; the professor began his
lecture. I found that being confident was key and I needed to be
proactive in class to make friends. Then something dawned on me which I
like to share in this article.
The pursuit of knowledge – the investment of time, talent
and money – is not to acquiesce a reputation or even to secure a job. By coming
to university, we embark upon a sacred religious journey. The higher purpose of
studying medicine, engineering, mathematics, business, language, politics
and/or technology is to benefit us in our relationship with Allah.
Education Serves Allah
Allah calls us to seek knowledge in the broadest
sense. The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said: “Seeking knowledge is an
obligation upon every Muslim” [ Sunan Ibn Mâjah ].
All work done with the intention of pleasing Allah and
following the sunnah of Prophet
Muhammad (s.a.w) is a good deed and an act of worship. This means we are
serving Allah by attending and doing well in university.
There are around 750 verses in the Qur'an
that encourage us to think about the universe that surrounds us and all that
has been created within it and placed at our disposal.
Allah says: “And when the Prayer is finished, then may you disperse through the
land, and seek of the bounty of Allah: and celebrate the praises of Allah often
that you may prosper” [ Sûrah al-Jumu`ah : 10]. Here
Allah is commanding us to engage in commerce, investment, and economic
development.
Allah says: “It is He who has made the Earth manageable
for you, so traverse through its tracts and enjoy of the sustenance which He
furnishes: but unto Him is the Resurrection” [ Sûrah al-Mulk : 15]. This
verse alludes to agriculture, land development and excavation of natural
resources. Allah has made us to live
on the earth for the short duration of our lives and we are suppose to develop
it, cultivate it and thrive in it. This is considered ibaadah when we do it for the sake of Allah - respecting His limits
and seeking His pleasure.
“And among His Signs is the creation of the
heavens and the Earth, and the variations in your languages and your colors:
verily in that are Signs for those who know” [ Sûrah Rûm : 22].
This refers to studying geography, anthropology, linguistics and tourism.
In the field of medicine, the Prophet said: “Allah did
not send down a disease without sending down a cure for it” [ Sahîh
al-Bukhârî ]. This is why so many Muslims study science. Science helps
us explore the creation of Allah and know Allah better through what He has sent
down. As Muslims on campus, we should be motivated to study to know Allah.
Allah is the source of all knowledge so the pursuit of knowledge should bring
us closer to Him. Furthermore, Allah is honoured when we use our knowledge to
serve others at the level of moral excellence.
A Bedouin once asked the Prophet (s.a.w): “What type of
people are the best?” The Prophet (s.a.w) replied: “The best of them in
moral character.” So go ahead, study the humanities -
sociology, psychology, political sciences or public policy and inshaAllah Allah will reward you.
Our Education is Dawah
We are
educating ourselves for Allah therefore our grades should be good and our
attitude with others even better. The key to bringing Islam back and improving interfaith
relations may well be a movement of Muslim students who are known for their
intelligence, hard work, unswerving integrity and concern for the welfare of
others. Those who do know Allah may be inspired to believe in Him; those who
have stopped going to the Masjid may
be influenced to reconsider Islam if they clearly see the quality and value of
our education and services.
Your last year?
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