fresh new semester

With the start of each new term, it once again rears its ugly head. As we move through the first few days, each class spawns its own syllabus. At first glance these syllabi do not seem very threatening. After all, they are fairly small, right? Not more than a few pages. But, by the end of the week, each of these syllabi makes one horrific point obvious. And not even one lecturer shows any sign they know students have more than one class.

With an entire term ahead, the workload seems difficult, but of course, not impossible. Sixteen weeks, give or take, appear to be enough to get this work done. Invariably however, it is not. You see, classes are not the only thing in students' world. Some of us hold big post in society, some work for volunteer group, some have postings here and there. Oh, and don't forget, we have social life too.

Slowly but surely, it seems that we cannot keep up with the work. Just one day of, "Eh, I will do it later" leaves us with twice as much work. By mid-term, we are in a fanatic rush to complete readings and assignments. And hopefully have time to study for the tests also. As final week approaches, we inch closer to both completing our assignments and losing our sanity. So, what is a poor student to do?

Well, I have the answer.

Allah the Almighty says:

When a servant thinks of me, I am near.

When he invokes Me, I am with him.

If he reflects on Me in secret, 

I reply to him in secret.

If he acknowledges me in assembly,

I acknowledge in a far superior assembly.

-Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) as repeated by Abu Hurairah-

Allah knows how hard life can be, and He is always there to help you. When we trust in Allah, Allah promises to help us find that rest which our souls so desperately need. But I do not mean, "You don't have to put any effort because all your problems will evaporate." That is not true. What I am trying to say is, Allah offers us a different perspective on things. 

As we (Muslim students) approach the crunch of exams, we know that examinations are important, but they will end. Our relationship with Allah, however, is eternal. Yes, final exams and terms papers are important, but they are not end-all and be-all of our existence. So, we have to focus not only to our academic, but also to our roles as a servant of Allah. Take time each day to pray and surrender to Him. Recite the AlQuran as this will help to feed the relationship and keep your priorities straight.

During this time of prayer, offer your burden, and stress, and pressure, to Allah. As He has promised, He takes some of the burden and helps us to bear with it. And remember, 

So, verily, with every difficulty, there is relief.

Verily, with every difficulty, there is relief.

(Al-Insyirah: 4-5)