By Shehu Uthman
When Ramadan has started on February 18th, Muslim students at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, were struck with mixed emotions. For one, they were somewhat happy that the blessed month was finally here. On the other hand, they were nervous, especially the freshers, the Jambitors. This would be their first time fasting away from home, at least in a place known for its scorching weather.
And before now, they have heard stories from returning students who described to them how Sokoto heat could boil water. They have also been told how difficult it is to cope fasting with lectures, reading, and the stress of school life.
But with that being said, here is the stark truth: for the newly admitted students, being scared of fasting in a new environment is like a child afraid of darkness. However, the worse problem we face today is that many of us have become scared of light. That is, we fear the very thing that should've guided us to the right path. This is where spiritual reflection comes in.
On a realistic note, it's disturbing seeing that students who can stay awake all night reading “Till Day Break (TDB in acronym) find it difficult to wake up for Tahajjud. Students who can spend hours on their phones find it hard to open the Qur'an. Students who remember every deadline for registration forget the time for prayer. And the sad part? Many do not even realise what they are missing.
Let us pause and ask a fundamental question: Why are we created?
In Surah Adh-Dhariyat, verses 56 and 57, Allah settles this matter once and for all:
"And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me. I do not want from them any provision, nor do I want them to feed Me."
Allah does not need our fasting. He does not need our prayers. He is Al-Ghaniyy, the Self-Sufficient, the Rich beyond need. Our worship adds nothing to His glory. Our disobedience takes nothing away from His majesty. So when we fast, when we pray, when we give charity, we are doing ourselves a favour. We are the ones who gain. We are the ones who grow. We are the ones storing treasure for a Day when nothing else will matter.
But here comes the excuse many students hide behind: "Exams are coming."
Yes, exams are coming. Yes, you want to graduate with flying colours. Yes, especially our UG1 students who dream of first class and have their eyes set on academic excellence. No one says you should not read. No one says you should abandon your books. But who told you that worship and academic success cannot go together? Who told you that you must choose between Allah and your studies?
The Angel of Death does not check exam timetables. He does not ask if you are a fresher or a final year student. He does not care if you are the breadwinner of your family or if you have dreams yet to fulfil. When your time comes, he will not hesitate for a second. He will not give you time to finish that chapter or complete that revision. So while you are busy chasing first class, ask yourself: what if this Ramadan is my last?
Experience has taught us bitter lessons. We have seen students who read all night, who covered everything, who were sure of success, only to enter the exam hall and draw a blank. They read, yes. But they forgot the most important things necessary. They forgot to involve the One who grants understanding. They forgot to give Allah His due time.
Think about it. How many times have you read something over and over and still not understood? How many times have you memorised and still forgotten? Knowledge is not just about reading. It is about barakah. And barakah comes from the One who owns all knowledge.
In Surah At-Talaq, verse 3, Allah gives a promise that should make every student sit up:
"And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things."
Read that again. If you put your trust in Allah, He will suffice you. He will handle your affairs. He will make your way easy. He will accomplish your purpose. So why do we rely solely on our notes and handouts? Why do we forget the Owner of all knowledge?
Now, let us be honest with ourselves. We are already halfway into Ramadan. Days are flying like clouds in harmattan. So ask yourself these questions, and answer them truthfully:
From the beginning of this Ramadan, how many times have you completed the Qur'an? And when you read, do you just move your tongue or do you reflect on the meanings? Do you let the words touch your heart?
How many fasting souls have you fed? Do you know that whoever feeds a fasting person gets the exact same reward without reducing anything from the fasting person's reward? This is not a small opportunity. Yet how many iftar have you shared?
How much charity have you given in this month? It does not have to be millions. Even a date, even a glass of water, even a smile is charity. But have you given anything?
How do people feel around you? Do your words bring comfort or do they cause pain? Do people feel better after meeting you or do they wish they never crossed your path?
These are not questions to make you feel bad. They are questions to wake you up. Because Ramadan is not just about hunger and thirst. It is about training the soul. It is about becoming a better human being. It is about drawing closer to Allah in a way that lasts beyond this month.
We are in a season unlike any other. In this month, the gates of Paradise are opened wide. The gates of Hell are shut. The devils are chained. Every good deed is multiplied beyond imagination. Duas are accepted. Hearts are soft. Tears flow easily. If this is not the time to seek Allah's help, then when?
If this is not the month to beg Him for success in your exams, in your life, in your affairs, then which month?
If this is not the period to stand in the night when He descends to the lowest heaven and asks, "Who is asking so I can give? Who is seeking forgiveness so I can forgive?" then when will you seek Him?
The remaining days of Ramadan are a golden opportunity. Do not let them slip away like the first half did. Start from somewhere. Anywhere.
Wake up for Tahajjud from tonight. Even if it is just for a few minutes. Stand before your Lord when the world is sleeping and pour out your heart. Tell Him about your exams. Tell Him about your fears. Tell Him about your dreams. He is listening.
Open the Qur'an. Read with meaning. Let the verses speak to your situation. Let the words heal your heart.
Give charity. It does not have to be money. Help a classmate who is struggling. Visit someone who is sick. Remove something harmful from the road. All of these are charity.
Feed a fasting person. Share your meal. The reward is unimaginable.
Make dua for all Muslims. For our brothers and sisters in Palestine, in Syria, in Yemen, in every corner of the earth where tears fall and blood flows. They need our prayers.
And yes, pray for your exams. Ask Allah to grant you understanding, to bless your memory, to make success easy for you. Then read with confidence, knowing that the One you have trusted will never abandon you.
Remember, it is not too late. It is never too late until the sun rises from the west. So seize these moments. Maximize every second. Let this Ramadan be the one that changes you.
Allah loves you more than your mother loves you. He wants to see you succeed. He has prepared Paradise for those who obey Him. Do not let this opportunity pass you by.
May Allah accept our fasting, our prayers, and our good deeds. May He grant us success in this world and the highest ranks in Jannah. May He unite our hearts and forgive our shortcomings.
Ramadan is taking its final countdown and the question you ought to ask yourself is: to what extent have you maximised your time towards commitment to righteousness throughout the period of fasting?