Imām Aḥmad b. Ḥarb said:
I worshipped Allāh for fifty years but I did not taste the sweeteness of that worship until I abandoned three things
1. I abandoned trying to please people which allowed me to speak the truth
2. I abandoned associating with the transgressors which allowed me to mix with the righteous
3. I abandoned the sweetness of this world which allowed me to taste the sweetness of the Hereafter
(Dhahabī, Siyar 11:34)
Shaikh Sajid Umar
“Where there is a will, there is a way. If there is a chance in a million that you can do something, anything, to keep what you want from ending, do it. Pry the door open or, if need be, wedge your foot in that door and keep it open.”
Pauline Kael
“Dedication and exhaustion have their rewards; either in this world, in the hereafter, or in both. The most content people are the most exhausted, and the most exhausted people are the most at peace. Authority in this world and happiness in the next cannot be arrived at except through the bridge of exhaustion. Yahya b. Abi Kathir said, “Knowledge cannot be attained with a rested body!”
-Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah
[Tuhfatul Mawlud, p242]
Technology today has made every ‘distance closer’. Before you travel to University ensure you open a whatsapp or telegram ‘Family Group’ and protect your entire life thus far from becoming a ‘distant memory’.
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“And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment.” (17:23)
This ayah reminds us to show respect and good treatment towards our parents. In the Sight of Allah, this is considered extremely important. It is also an act that is mentioned repeatedly in the Quraan and Hadith. When leaving home to study in another place, always keep in constant contact with your parents and visit them as often as you can. Continue to be there for them in their times of need, even if they just need to speak with you about a matter over the phone. Send them gifts now and then so that they know you are thinking of them. Remember to treat them with Ihsaan (excellence) and nothing less. Your parents would give their life for you, their feelings for your cannot be described, and their Duas for you are priceless and will take you through every door of success. So remember, wherever you are and whatever you are doing, your parents should always be your first priority. Keep them close in your lives and also in your Du’aas.
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The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said,“…the most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and constant even though it were little.” (Sahih al Bukhari)
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Leaving home for university abroad brings about a range of emotion. For some, the smell of freedom grants a new lease to life. For others the departure of a home filled with memories and family brings about anxiousness. Whatever your situation, motivation and concern; always know- The ‘University of Life’ is at the feet of your mother and father and guardian, and always know that…’There is no place like home…’
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Going to University is an opportunity to develop your maturity. Ponder over your day without taking it’s events for granted. Allow your experiences and access to different cultures, languages and mentalities to broaden your horizons. Also- learn how to spend wisely and save diligently! After all- Marriage is not so far away InShaAllah 😊
Don’t ever forget to make Du’a, even for the smallest of things
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Your new life in University and your new friends are not an excuse to forget about your parents, siblings, blood relations and life-long friends. Do the right thing and keep in touch. May Allah bless you.
Forced marriages are not marriages supported by the noble laws of Allah Almighty and go against the law of common sense. In fact the Messenger SAW offered a daughter who was forced into a marriage the choice to validly opt for an annulment of the marriage contract. I sincerely urge all guardians to ‘do the right thing’ and never oppress a Muslim through force. Force has its negatives and a forced marriage has more. Do not jail your daughters and those you are responsible over- may Allah grant us the understanding and protect us from oppressing others and oppression. Ameen.
Is love more than just a feeling?
Umar (radi Allahu ‘anhu) said to a man who was thinking of divorcing his wife: “Why do you want to divorce her?” He said, “I do not love her.” ‘Umar (r) said, “Must every house be built on love? What about loyalty and appreciation?”
What do you understand from this?
