The human being’s ability to assess his or her achievement is one of the principal and distinct characteristics of man. Students embarking on the new academic year (2009) might be coming to terms with the nagging question, ‘why do I attend school?’ Understandably so, very few of us have had the opportunity to receive much needed advice. Moreover, the lack of suitable role models within the community has led some of us to aspire for and shape our lives according to those whom society perceives to be cool e.g. pop stars, actors and the like. The Muslim community lags behind in many aspects and, as youth, we are aware of this painful truth. The community is unable to effectively deal with contemporary challenges. How true is the preachers and Islamic literature’s sublime message; ‘Islam is a complete way of life and provides solutions to all human challenges’ we might ask. The community lacks sufficient resource persons and institutions to bring about the desired change and continuous growth that this sublime message affirms.
As we grow up and form our identity, it is only natural that our focus turns to ourselves; hardly ever do we consider ourselves as players in a team. The interdependence philosophy that underlies al-khuwah al Islamiya or Islamic brotherhood is a basic element for prosperity. Education is the foundation to building dependable members of a society. What we need to ask ourselves at this juncture is; where do I (we) want to be in the future? Start the year with the end in mind. Each year brings us closer to our end (goal). Apart from this year’s candidates, very few of us are seriously thinking about exams and therefore planning accordingly. The preceding generations have brought Islam to where it is. The transition taking place from the prior to the succeeding generation calls for proper preparation to the task ahead. As we receive the baton from our parents; the question to chew over is how prepared are we? Are we aware of the daunting task ahead?
As we start this academic year the need to reflect on what we want to achieve, a clear vision in terms of career choice and taking into account the community’s needs is a reflection of true ukhuwa. The Quran instructs that, as a community a group from us should devote themselves to studies and guide the rest after graduating (Quran, 9:122). As students we need to always be cognisant of the fact that, what we do as individuals has direct effect on our community. Both fardh ain or individual obligation and fardh kifaayah or obligations of collective sufficiency forms of education are prescribed to create dependable individuals and responsible communities. As highlighted from the onset; we have realized that our community is ill equipped to deal with challenges facing us, and therefore our destiny lies in working hard today.
As Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him was migrating from Makkah to Madinah; Suraaqah ibn Malik; a bounty hunter in hot pursuit came very close to capturing the Prophet peace be upon him and his companion Abu Bakar As sidiq may Allah be pleased with him. However, Allah the Almighty protected His Prophet and despite this setback in the Prophet peace be upon him’s mission, he still was clear of the vision; he promised Suraqah ibn Malik that he (Suraqah) would wear Caesar’s armour - one of the superpowers of that time. This promise came to pass during the caliphate of Umar ibn Khatab may Allah be pleased with him. Attending school is one of the objectives to achieve prosperity; unless we are clear of the destination (vision) it doesn’t matter what we are doing today i.e. attending school.
Achievers are aware of their ability to choose their responses i.e. they are response able. This ability to choose our actions is the basis for takleef or accountability. As the youth we misconstrue freedom to mean doing all that we desire; therefore being slaves of our desires. True freedom means we are totally free and only do what serves our end (goals). Unfortunately although we are aware of this freedom, we blame our situations on family background, prevailing conditions and financial challenges, thereby absolving ourselves from blame. The truth of the matter is, we are able to make changes in our lives (Quran, 13:11). Having realized our ability to choose our destiny inshallah, calls us to embark on our academic journey aware of the destination. Apparently lack of a clear vision might explain our reluctance to prioritize our actions. The principal objectives serving our goals should never be at the mercy of things that matter least in our lives.
© 2009 Badru Jaffar Swaleh
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