Nasiha for Students

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Nasiha for Students
onehaqq
07/09/01 at 11:46:28
Assalamu Alaykum,

Any of you have any references to or have articles on anything pertaining to new students coming into college? we're trying to compile a Muslim Student Survival Guide and any articles or nasiha that could be included would be helpful insh'Allah. Jazak Allah Khair. Wa Salamu Alaykum.
Re: Nasiha for Students
Ruqayyah
07/09/01 at 11:50:47
[slm]

One article that comes to mind is the Letter to a Student by Sheikh Hasan al-Banna, I know I have it printed out, but inshallah if I can find it online, I'll post it, or maybe if someone else can if they have it on hand? It's an excellent article and well written. We even used it as a "mini-khutbah" at school :)

[wlm]
Ruqayyah
Re: Nasiha for Students
Anonymous
07/09/01 at 15:48:08
Here's an interesting article I found:

Muslims and the University Culture
AB Khan
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When a Muslim a North American university or college for the first
time, he or she comes into contact with a community whose culture and
lifestyle are diametrically opposed to the Islamic way of life.

The culture of Western universities can only be described as
hedonistic, nihilistic and narcissistic. That is to say, many inhibitions are let
loose and individual whims and fancies run wild. The freshman year
itself begins with orientation, which while supposedly a process of
introduction and transition to the university bor the first-year student, is
an opportunity for most participants to drown themselves (sometimes
literally) in alcohol and pursue sexual opportunities.

This sets the stage for the school year. On any given school day, a
student can choose to go to class, sleep in and skip the whole day, drink,
party, or study, all depending on how he or she feels at that moment.
Individual desires become the first priority and everything else takes a
back seat.

The uncontested reign of individualism is also reflected in the values
promoted by student councils and governments. All lifestyles,
especially those furthest from religion, are promoted. Illicit, unlimited sex is
seen as something to be sought and a basis for building a macho
reputation (as long you can avoid sexually transmitted diseases - for which
purpose condoms and condom machines proliferate around campus).
Homosexuality is something to be proud of and promoted as a viable alternative.
Student campaigns and marches are organized against those who dare to
speak out and challenge this value structure; these challengers are
regarded as reactionary, undemocratic and of course, religious extremists
and fundamentalists.

In the university community therefore, the self is god, and everyone
loves this god and engages in daily worship, and obeys the laws that this
god creates, and everyone adjusts as these laws change on a daily
basis.

Into this atmosphere arrives the Muslim, who may or may not be
practicing Islaam to the best of their ability. The practicing Muslim (and even
the not so observant Muslim) knows that Allah is the Creator and that
the Qur'an is His Word. And according to that Word, He has 'created
death and life, that He may test you which of you is best in deed.'
(al-Mulk (67):2) Also, He says, 'And I created not the jinns and humans except
to worship Me' (adh-Dhaariyaat (51):56). So the purpose of the Muslim's
existence is clear.

The conscious Muslim makes every attempt to, while pursuing his or her
studies, increase their knowledge of Qur'an and Sunnah, so that they
may better understand and apply the faith. The structure of this Muslim's
day is around salaat, and this person juggles and adjusts their daily
schedule and makes every effort to insure that the five daily salaat are
performed on time. Similarly, this individual understands the approach
of Ramadaan and prepares for it, again making the necessary adjustments
in order to make sure that they are on top of their studies, that
assignments are being handed in, that the best marks are being achieved, all
while the requirements of the daily fasts are being met.

For the Muslim, Islaam is never an excuse for slacking off, whether in
academics or with respect to other responsibilities. As well, the
observant Muslim may choose to participate in those clubs, activities and
aspects of university life that do not contradict the Qur'an and Sunnah
and do not place the Muslim in positions where he or she must compromise
the faith. Thus, the conscientious Muslim enters the University
atmosphere and struggles constantly to maintain a structured set of
priorities. He or she follows Allah's order: "So strive as in a race in good
deeds." (al-Maatidah, 48)

On the other hand, there is also the borderline Muslim, who knows his
or her identity but whose consciousness of Islaam, due to upbringing or
experience, is not terribly strong. This individual is on the
'borderline' because they are pulled one way by their understanding of Islaam
and in the opposite direction by the powerful pressures of the university
culture. Is it at all surprising that many Muslims who are on the
borderline succumb to the pressures of the atmosphere around them and
become, at best, part-time Muslims?

At the end, the challenge is great. All Muslims in the university
community have to struggle in order to maintain their Islaam. Those who are
practicing, committed and understand the objective of their existence
have further duties. They must invite the borderliners with hikmah and
understanding but with firmness as well. And they must inform the
university community at large about Islaam in the different ways that are
available. Yes, of course the challenge is great. But in shaa' Allah, the
reward is much greater.

Re: Nasiha for Students
se7en
07/09/01 at 16:27:12
[quote]One article that comes to mind is the Letter to a Student by Sheikh Hasan al-Banna, I know I have it printed out, but inshallah if I can find it online, I'll post it, or maybe if someone else can if they have it on hand? [/quote]
[url=http://jannah.org/articles/letter.html]Letter to a Muslim Student[/url]

wasalaamu alaykum :)


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