Do you get goosebumps when the thought of going back to school or resuming studies strikes?
A new school session should really be a time for a brand new start because it brings an opportunity to do better, stay true to your learning goals and improve your personal worth in general.
Back to school resolutions are basically goals to help you stay on track with your learning.
The resolutions should be small, bite sized and doable – so you don’t feel ready to quit even before you get far. After all the beginning of any school year comes with enough stress and drama.
For Muslim students, it is particularly beneficial to have Islamically inspired resolutions for the new school year. Because nothing in the life of a believe is done without purpose. Having such goals gets you up and running on time with your studies.
Here are some back to school resolutions and goals that all Muslims students should set:
1. Balance Deen with Life and Studies
Learning is very important for your future and success. In a similar way, so are the relationships and lifestyle you nurture.
As you study and delve deep into coursework, strive on improving the bonds with your Creator, family and friends; and take care of your body, mind and soul. Always prioritize and make time for studies along with your other responsibilities and spiritual devotion.
Remember that salah and exercise can reduce stress and improve your mental health.
2. High Grade Goals
What are your grade goals?
Aim really high!
You should strive for an upward shift each year. Use the new learning year to improve on the past years. Make a study plan, rely on Allah and know when it’s time to ask for help. Bring up your grades, not watch them stagnate or slide down.
Good and improved grades can give you a great boost for your future goals and open many doors of opportunities for you. Use this new session to reboot your study habits and improve your grades.
3. Have a Back to School Routine
Create a daily schedule of:
- When to wake up and when to go to bed;
- When to say your 5 daily prayers and;
- All the important activities that come in between.
Prepare the night/ day/ week before whether its homework, appointment or clothes. Do not leave things for the last minute thinking you can do it. Or just to earn bragging rights with your mates.
4. Stay on Track
You can keep yourself in check using:
. A learning plan.
. Study planner/ journal.
. Daily/ weekly checklists.
. Learning buddy/ mentor.
. Study groups/ networks.
. Other planning resources.
5. Use Social Media with Taqwa
And technology in general.
How many hours do you spend refreshing your feeds and following the latest trends and updates online?
Monitor your digital footprint and spend less time on social networking sites. It is addictive and can decrease your productivity. Instead use social media one or twice in the day – for dawah, keeping in touch or connecting with learning support groups.
Build a safe internet culture to aid your life and learning positively, not disrupt it negatively.
6. Be a Lifelong Reader
Read more than just textbooks and recommended reading.
Reading is very essential and you should turn your reading habit into a productive experience outside of your classroom. So make a resolution to read more this year.
You can read from magazines, blogs, apps/ E readers; and listen to audio books to complement your areas of interest and hobbies. Most importantly, read and reflect on the meaning of the Quran daily – to mentor you through life.
7. Challenge Your Nafs
Focus your energy on boosting faith, through:
- Good speech and character;
- Righteous company;
- Lowering your gaze;
- Consistent good deeds;
- Living by good example and
- Remembering Allah through regular dua, dhikr and salah;
Resolutions can happen
Nothing good comes easy, so renew your intention constantly. Study for the pleasure of Allah whether your dream is to become an educator, entrepreneur or scientist. Because every action will be judged according to intention.
It is narrated on the authority of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab who said:
I heard the Messenger of Allah say:
Actions are (judged) by motives (niyyah), so each man will have what he intended… (Bukhari and Muslim)
Yes, your resolutions can happen but you need to work hard to be the best you can be; to serve the Ummah and be a true representative of Islam just like the young companions who were avid learners.
Seek Allah’s unending barakah (blessings) so your investments of cash, time and sweat will be rewarded in manifolds in this world and in the next.
And finally, as Shaykh Alaa Elsayed adviced:
“Be a Muslim that happened to be a student NOT a student that happened to be a Muslim.”
By setting these simple back to school resolutions, you can can begin your school year fresh, prepared and inspired to make things work against all odds. Insha’Allah, you can make the most of it – with dua and persistence!
What are some other back to school resolutions and goals Muslim students should set?
Please share in the comments below!
Source: http://youthlyhub.com.