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Dear ISocer,
I met you some days ago after an ISoc event. Although the words we exchanged were few, and it was the first time we had met, by the end of our conversation I knew exactly how you felt. For I too, was once an undergraduate, and I too faced the difficulties that you, like many others, are now experiencing.

You mentioned that you had studied very little this year, and that it was all due to the ISoc. "I just get dragged into doing things!" How many of us have felt this I cannot imagine. And yet how many more are there out there who wish they could be "dragged into the ISoc", only Allah knows.

Do not take for granted the great, the ISoc may have made you work hard this year, perhaps even overworked you, but in doing so you were prevented from the two things which Shaytan loves: wasting time, and sinful actions.

But be realistic in your goals and keep in mind that there are some students who give as much to their studies in terms of time and effort as you have given to the ISoc. To reach their standard is a difficult, but not impossible task.

Do not allow people to distract you, and do not let their opinions deter you from doing what you feel is necessary. Expect difficulties to appear along the way, obstacles which will take longer than you planned to overcome, and to have to review your plan. If you have prepared well, the notes will be learnt, and the test will be passed, if Allah wills.

Dear ISocer, do not be fooled into thinking that anxiety is an emotion that is out of your control. Like anger, anxiety is an emotion which Allah created for a purpose; it is when a person feels anxious that he pushes himself to his limit and works to his full capacity. However, this anxiety can very easily reach dangerous proportions and thus become detrimental rather than beneficial. It is the Shaytan who is responsible for this, but you must not allow him to control your emotions. If you feel yourself becoming depressed, remember and act upon the following verses: “Verily, along with every hardship is relief. So when you have finished, devote yourself to Allah’s worship. And to your Lord (Alone) turn (all your) intentions and hopes.” (94:6-8)

You said to me how you used to spend hours doing ISoc work and then would be too tired to study. That determination and vigour you had for ISoc work must now be directed towards your studies. Be careful though of maintaining a healthy balance. Remember the wise advice which Salman (RA) gave to Abu Ad-Darda’ (RA): “Your Lord has a right upon you, your body has a right upon you, your wife has a right upon you, your guest has a right upon you, so you should give to everyone his right.” When Abu Ad-Darda' (RA) came to the prophet (SAW) and narrated the whole story, the prophet (SAW) said, “Salman is right.”

Throughout the day you will no doubt need frequent breaks. The best way to utilise those breaks is by fulfilling these rights. Any time that remains you must not waste even a second of; here is a reminder that provided me with motivation when I was in your position.

Imam Bukhari reported that Omar (RA) had said: “I used to live in Awaaly Al Madinah (an area far away from the Prophet's mosque) and could not be present in the Masjid daily. I had an arrangement with one of my neighbours from the Ansar to rotate with me, to go to the Prophet's mosque. So one day, my neighbour would go to the Prophet to learn the revelation and other things. And when he returned he would teach me. The next day I would do the same for him.”

Part of the arrangement was that when one of the two would be away, the other would look after the affairs of both of them. Do you realise what this implies? That they would need to work twice as hard. That is why so many of the companions were able to excel in their affairs of this world, and the next. So although you may have spent half if not more of your hours at university doing ISoc work, you can sill achieve that grade that you believe is within your reach, but only if you too, now work twice as hard as everyone else.

The rewards of being Muslim belong to the next life, the eternal life, not to this temporary world. If you want to achieve in both, then you will need to work harder than those who are only after this world.

So yes, my dear Isocer, you must eat less, sleep less, and for the next few months, isolate yourself from the outside world. Do not fear solitude, for indeed the Prophet (SAW) spent many hours of his youth alone. Although there is no doubt in the benefit of good company, there are times when it useful to be secluded from everyone else, to contemplate and repent for our sins, and to draw closer to our Lord.

Your family and friends will understand if you explain to them that the time you spend with them is very limited, however it is up to you to set your limits. The little time that you do spend with them, make sure it is quality time.  As for group-study, yes it may be useful and more enjoyable, yet at this moment in time where your priority is to learn as much as you possibly can and to make up for the lost time during the year, it is a luxury that you cannot afford.

As ULU ISoc like to say, ''the hibernation period has begun."

Wassalam,

A fellow ISocer.

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