#LIFE_LESSONS

A Message to a Confused Student of Knowledge My dear son, may Allah make your path full of light, ease your heart, and keep you firm in obeying Him. I have read your words, and I truly see sincerity, pain, and concern for your religion behind them. This is a great blessing—if you truly understood its value, you would thank Allah with all your heart for it. How difficult it is for a young person who wants to be righteous, yet finds life pulling him in different directions. You were upright and doing well in Yemen—praise be to Allah—then your father told you, “Go to Saudi Arabia to work,” and you agreed. When you arrived, life opened its doors to you, work kept you busy, time slipped away, and even the Fajr prayer became heavy on some days. So you began to think that the place was the cause of your struggle, that knowledge was far from you, and that your heart was weakening. But my son… Saudi Arabia is not a place of loss. It is one of the richest lands in knowledge, scholars, and lessons. Did not most of our scholars seek knowledge there? Loss happens when time is wasted, when there is no organisation, when the phone takes over your life, and when sincere intention is missing from your daily routine. Do not leave Saudi Arabia without your parents’ permission. Honouring them is an obligation, while seeking knowledge—beyond what is obligatory—is recommended. You do not leave an obligation for something recommended. Many young people left without permission and were deprived of success, while others were patient and Allah opened doors for them they never imagined. Know that honouring parents softens hearts, brings guidance, and places light in your path. Today, I met a noble brother who came from Dammam (Saudi) for Umrah. He told me things that deeply affected me. He completed memoriaing the Qur’an, received certification, memorised and studied texts with scholars, and has strong determination. I thought to myself: what made him different? It was simply good time management, strong determination, and staying away from the phone that steals so much of one’s life. If you ask about memorising the Qur’an, I remind you of a valuable saying: “Part of honouring the prayer is arriving before its time.” Come to the prayer ten minutes early. Pray what you can, then memorise five Ayaat between the call to prayer and the start of prayer, and read their explanation. If you stay consistent, you could memorise the Qur’an in about eight months and ten days, inshaAllah. Even if you memorise just one Ayah a day, you are still doing great and will complete it in a few years. What matters is determination, effort, and honouring your parents—this is a key to success. There are many scholars in Saudi Arabia, in their homes and masjids. Some studied under great scholars and are waiting for a serious student to teach. One of them told me he found such a student, opened his home and time for him—but the student lost motivation. So think carefully: where is the problem? It is not the environment. It is when the heart weakens, the intention fades, and time is wasted. Whoever relies on Allah, He is enough for him. You do not need to travel right away to seek knowledge. Start now: twenty minutes after Fajr for Qur’an, listen to a lesson on your way to work, and spend an hour studying after dinner. Stay consistent. In just three months, you will see your heart change, your mind become clearer, and your motivation grow—while still being in Saudi Arabia. As for your parents, seek their permission gradually. Suggest a short course—just one month—in Yemen, or start with online learning. Over time, Allah will soften their hearts when they see your seriousness, good character, and kindness toward them. My son… whoever is truthful with Allah, Allah will repay that in kind. Whoever knocks on the door of knowledge with honesty will have it opened for him, even if a thousand obstacles stand in the way. Do not give in to the illusion of being lost—you are in a good state. Your heart is alive, and your soul is searching for light.