Project Vanguard: 2017

Unfortunately Project Vanguard's Page has closed down, so I have inserted it below:

The Muslim Student

Imam Ibn al-Jawzi says: “If you want to know your value with your Lord, look to how He is using you and what actions He has kept you busy with.”

When I first arrived at university, my main goal was to work hard and remain career-driven, striving to reach my full potential. After completing my first exam in January of my first year, I felt content with how things were progressing, Alhamdulillah (all praise is due to God). Yet, there was an unshakable feeling that something was missing. As I reflected on my experience so far, I realised that while I was growing academically, my soul was yearning for something deeper. Through the blessings of my faith, I began to understand more about what it truly means to be a Muslim student.

Muslims are a people of balance - striking the perfect harmony between working for this life and preparing for the next:  “...Thus, have We made of you an Ummah [community of Muslims] justly balanced, that ye might be witnesses over the nations...” (The Holy Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:143).

While it is vital to set goals and work hard in this world, the ultimate success lies in the hands of Allah. Investing our time and effort in pleasing Him and striving for Paradise is the greatest pursuit. Helping others, spreading the beauty of Islam, bringing joy to those around us, earning an honest livelihood, refining our character, increasing in worship, and continually seeking knowledge are all responsibilities that shape both this life and the next. With this in mind, my perspective evolved and my heart elevated.

Before I left for university, my parents advised me to make every second count. They reminded me that there are endless opportunities to use my voice and actions to make a difference. My sister once shared a profound hadith with me:  The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Take benefit of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before your preoccupation, and your life before your death.”

Allah had given me all the means to spread goodness and contribute to the world - who was I to turn away? Taking my brother’s advice, I joined the Islamic Society. Looking back, I am in awe of the countless blessings Allah placed in that decision. Through it, I found my housemates who became my second family, my best friends who became my sisters, and the opportunity to meet some of the most incredible people I could ever have wished for.

Becoming a member of the Islamic Society opened so many doors - opportunities to serve the community, contribute to meaningful initiatives and meet individuals who inspired me. Each experience allowed me to grow, strengthen my connection with Allah and develop into a better human being. I came to realise that our time in this world is meant for contribution, for making things better than we found them. As students, while we have time and resources at our disposal, we have a unique ability to bring about change. Excelling in our studies is important, yet equally striving for excellence in character, service and faith is crucial. After all, our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was sent to perfect noble character.

So, what does it mean to be a Muslim student? Imam Ibn al-Jawzi says; “If you want to know your value with your Lord, look to how He is using you and what actions He has kept you busy with.” To be a Muslim student means to dedicate ourselves to pursuits that earn His pleasure. It means striving to be the best student, friend, family member, and human being we can be.