Hijabi Life

Balancing Deen & Dunya

Asalamualaykum Guys!!

Just last night when I was going to bed I received a private message from a very sweet student in the UK.

Her question was as follows:

"As-Salamu Alaykum. I recently discovered your book while looking through the spiritual genre, and I'm currently in a fiddle with regards to something! I'm attending university studying biomedical science, as well as taking on hifdh classes on weekends, trying to strike a balance somewhere in between. I'll tell you one thing — it isn't easy! I'm losing motivation and want to drop one or the other. Help? What's your advice?"

Studying at university presents its challenges, and overcoming them can be hard. You might be pulling all-nighters just to get that assignment finished, or you may be juggling your social life and study life with little success. Here is some tips that should help you:

Tip #1: Assess your intentions

Making an intention takes a moment of contemplation. Upon embarking on the journey to pursue knowledge, you must make sure that the actions you are about to carry out or are carrying out are being done:

• sincerely and that you are seeking the pleasure of Allah through this journey.

• correctly without violating the teachings of the Qur'an and Prophetic guidance.

Tip #2: Set a goal

Think of goal setting as a map; it guides you to your destination and will help you take the best route in best time.

As a student, it is essential that you write your goals down. As each goal is fulfilled, you can tick it off.

Trust me, it will be worth it. I've been also thinking about this for some time.

Tip #3: Aim for excellence (Ihsan)

In a hadith, the Prophet of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) narrates that Allah has prescribed excellence in everything (Muslim).

Well, simply put, one should aim to be the best, whether training to become a doctor, teacher or a lawyer, excellence coupled with good intentions, will definitely lead to success, Insha'Allah.

Tip #4: Surround yourself with good friends

During your time at university, you will be exposed to people from different backgrounds and walks of life.

The first few months will be an adjustment phase, where you will try to accustom yourself to the surroundings and it is inevitable that you will make new friends.

One should bear in mind that the friends that they keep will be of great influence to them for the next three years of university life.
Always look back to Allah.

Tip #4: Balancing your time

I suggest you make time for both Deen and Dunya.

You can do this by making a timetable.

So, once you pray Fajr you can then read Qur'an for an hour and then do a bit of Uni work.

As you can see managing time for both is really important. Do not drop any of them!

You need motivation? Occasionally go to the Masjid on the weekends and listen to some lectures!

Believe it or not, but you have motivation and will-power within you.

You may not know it, but you have already motivated yourself many times in your life.

During those times of strong motivation and will-power, you most likely overcame many obstacles.

Tip #5: Stay optimistic

This is one of the most important things.

You're probably thinking of all the reasons why balancing Deen and Dunya will not work, but don't think like that. Instead, think of all the reasons it will work.

When Allah pushes you to the edge of difficulty, trust Him fully because two things can happen: either 'He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly'.

The moment we realise everything happened because of the Will of Allah all our worries will fade away...

That's all my tips and tricks on you surviving Uni and striking the balance with hifdh. Insha'Allah everything will work out. Perseverance is key. 🔑