Letter to Muslim Students

By Sayyed Hassan Al Banna

The sincere advice contained in this letter is drawn from the perennial values and ethos of Islam. It reminds students and indeed all Muslims that the first and foremost goal in a Muslims life is to please God and live in accordance to His sacred law. Also, it brings home that studying is not to be an end in itself or for seeking material gain. A Muslim has to excel in his or her study in order to work for Islam and benefit humanity.

My brothers and sisters in Islam, I praise Allah for there is no god but Him. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon Muhammad (pbu). May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you as you serve Islam with the finest fruits of science and the best of knowledge.

Dearest brothers and sisters, you will be amongst people you have not known before and characters you are not accustomed to. In you they will see the example of a Muslim. So make sure they see in you the best example and the finest image, in order for them to understand that the word 'Muslim' embodies virtue and nobility.

O my brothers and sisters, excel in your observance of Allah (swt) in all your dealings. Understand that He (swt) keeps watch over you, sees you and encompasses all that is of concern to you - wherever you are. Strive not to let Allah (swt) see you, except that He is pleased with you.

Perform the obligatory duties which Allah has enjoined upon you, at their appointed times. Increase your recitation of the Glorious Quran with understanding and deliberation. It is a healing for the soul and a comfort to the heart. Designate from it a portion to read at the beginning of the day and a portion to read at the end of it, hence the best beginning and the best end.

In the delights of life and pleasures of the world, you will see that which inclines the heart, impresses the mind, attracts the eye and bewilders those whose spirits are weak. Do not let these seduce you away from virtue and cause you to forget the Hereafter.

Allah (swt0) says “do not turn your eyes covetously towards the embellishments of worldly life that We have bestowed upon various kinds of people to test them.”

Always remember the words of Allah (swt): Men are naturally tempted by the lure of women, children, treasures of gold and silver, horses of mark, cattle and plantations. These are the enjoyments in the life of this world; but with Allah lies a goodly abode to return to (Al Imran 3:14

Be critical, with insight, and be just and well acquainted with people. Do not let your goodness draw you to forget their bad, and their bad hurt you to forget their goodness.

Dearest brothers and sisters, be aware that calling the people through practical example is far better than calling them through speech. It is far more fruitful and beneficial to use your commendable character, the perfection of yourself and your straight manner to defend and call them to your religion, so strive to perfect yourself.

May Allah raise you to be the best of the successors and may His safety accompany you.

Righteous Youth

Youth is the most vigorous and dynamic stage in an individual's life. In Islam youth present the image of faith, purity of life, courage, sincerity, courtesy, kindness, and bravery.  Muslim youth must realize their roles and responsibilities, as the leader of tomorrow in society.   In a hadith, the Prophet (pbu) said, that among the things for which every person will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment is his/her youth and how he/she spent it. Growing up in the west as a Muslim is a big test. You’ve got temptations of many kinds, and relentless peer pressure. It is a tug of war between you as a Muslim and that sneaky Shaytan - who sometimes comes disguised.  It is a struggle on a day to day basis, but there is a light at the end of the light.  Allah has prepared shades on the Day of Judgment for those people who warship Allah in their youth. On that day, when there is no shade except the shade from the throne of Allah.

The image of youth in Islam is very dynamic, positive and active and there are great examples of righteous youth mentioned in the Qur’an.  Prophet Yusuf is a great example of youth mentioned in the Qur’an. He was the most handsome man and was living in the most prosperous situation. He was tried by temptations but he kept himself pure. He preferred to go to prison, than to surrender to evil desires. He prayed to Allah, [My Lord, the prison is more dear to me than that which they urge me to do…] (Yusuf 12: 33)  

We also have the example of Maryam, the mother of Prophet `Isa (pbu). She was the most noble and pious girl. She kept her purity and dignity so Allah bestowed on her a great honor and she became one of the noblest women of the world.  

The revival of our religion, the unity, development and fruit bearing future of our society and Muslim Ummah awaits, us youth.  We have great duties and responsibilities, resting on our shoulder, and it is time to start pondering why we were given the gift of youth age.