Navigating a Diverse Academic Environment as a Muslim Student

 

Introduction

According to the Holy Quran and Hadiths, seeking knowledge is highly encouraged and emphasized. Muslims are enjoined to seek knowledge in various fields of life, including religious and scientific knowledge. 

In Surah Al-Mujadila 58:11, Allah says: “Allah will exalt those who believe and those who have been granted knowledge to high ranks.”  This verse implies that we ascend in ranks through faith and knowledge. Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said: “If anyone pursues a path in search of knowledge, Allah will thereby make easy for him a path to paradise.” 

Muslim students study in diverse academic environments (with various religions, genders, cultures, ethnicities/races, cognitive abilities, and learning styles), so they have to adapt to achieve a balance between their spiritual lives and academics. This is essential to ease their sojourns and prevent them from going astray.

The following are tips for navigating a diverse academic environment as a Muslim:

1.         Embrace your Identity

Through a journey of self-awareness and self-discovery, Muslim students should embrace their identity as Muslims with confidence. They should always uphold Islamic values and tenets. They must always pray to Allah to strengthen them, as embracing an Islamic identity is a continuous process. A simple dua to recite often is:

“Yaa Muqallibal Quloob Thabbit Qalbee ‘alaa Deenik”

“Oh turner of hearts (Allah, the Most High), keep my heart firm on your religion”

2.         Belong to a supportive Muslim community/association

The benefits of a vibrant and supportive Muslim community can not be overemphasized. A Muslim community for students with various community activities fosters a sense of belonging, brotherhood, and sisterhood. Attend brothers’ forums, sisters' circles, and Daw’ah enlightenment programs. Organize halal picnics and tutorials, and contribute to various community services organized by the community. An example of such a community/association to belong to is the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN).

3.         Seek the Knowledge of your Deen

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” – Alvin Toffler

Learn about the Holy Qu’ran, Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), Tawhid (oneness of God in Islam), Hadeeth, Arabiyyah (Arabic Language), Adab (Islamic Etiquette), etc. Unlearn and discard a bad habit or false information you have learnt in the past. Unlearning is coupled with relearning, to acquire the right knowledge. Knowledge is key and fosters a better Islamic lifestyle.

4.         Time management

Muslim students must ensure effective time management, to balance academic responsibilities and religious engagements. Create actionable schedules for prayers, studying, rest, and extracurricular activities. Do everything moderately, while dedicating adequate time to your creator - Allah.

5.         Adhere strictly to rules and regulations

Rules and regulations in a diverse academic environment are there to guide human behaviours. Allah says in the Holy Qu’ran: “O you who believe, obey Allah and obey His Messenger and the people of authority amongst you. And if you disagree over anything, refer the matter to Allah and His Messenger (Peace Be Upon Him).” An-Nisa’ 4:59. Be diplomatic in how you approach issues that concern you. Seek assistance from the Muslim community when necessary.

6.         Prayers and Supplications

Prayers and supplications increase faith and consciousness of Allah. Prayer purifies the mind and serves as a way of seeking forgiveness from Almighty Allah. Prayers help one to relax and regain lost focus in life. Muslim students need to pray often and sincerely, to acquire the benefits of prayer maximally.

In conclusion, I encourage Muslim students to embrace their faith and find strength by belonging to communities that will ease their sojourn in school. They should also spend their time judiciously. May Almighty Allah grant us resilience and an unwavering commitment to our faith, so that we can navigate our diverse academic environments with ease.

By: Agboola Ridwan A.