Voice of British Muslim Women

Fatiha Nadeem, Bradford

September arrives quietly. The air shifts, the days shorten, and the rhythm of life begins to change. For many, it’s the start of a new academic year – whether it be school, college or university. For others, it’s a return to rigid routines after the looseness of summer. But, in reality, September gives us a chance to begin again, to change how the story ends, I suppose.

There’s something special about new beginnings; it’s as if we’re being invited to reflect on the past, and grow, essentially. And although January may get the spotlight for resolutions and, as I’m sure we’ve all heard, to become a ‘new year, new me’, September is where practical transformation begins. For students like me, it’s time to focus on the end goal, giving it our best every single day, even when we fall, fear setbacks and make mistakes, because failure has a way of teaching us what success never could.

It can, though, be easier said than done – I’m sure we have felt those nerves the night before the first day back to school…the sleepless nights and the endless turns under the cover, but in the Holy Qur’an, our One and True Saviour, God Almighty has already reassured us several times that, “Surely, there is ease after hardship” (65:8, 94:6). Similarly, when God commanded Prophet Moses (peace be on him) to go to confront the Pharoah, Moses said, “My Lord, open out for me my breast, And ease for me my task, And loose the knot of my tongue, That they may understand my speech.” (20:27-29) Therefore, we must also turn to Allah, the Almighty, and pray that He eases our tasks and grants us steadfastness as we endure the trials set before us.

But education isn’t just about achieving those grades – it’s about building character, teaching others and, without a doubt, living and applying the values we learn, in everyday life. As the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) taught, seeking knowledge is a lifelong duty as a Muslim, not a brief task. More importantly, as mothers, we must cultivate discipline and prepare to nurture not just our children’s minds, but their hearts. Regarding this, His Holiness, Mirza Masroor Ahmad (May Allah be His Helper) stated that if a woman seeks education, then Paradise will be her destiny. (1)

As we step into this new beginning, we must also be grounded in routine. Whether it’s waking up early, taking time out to pray or simply staying consistent with our goals, these habits, once again, shape our character. It’s essential that we focus on both our spiritual and physical well-being and as the Promised Messiah, His Holiness Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (peace be upon him), writes in The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, “The soul is affected by physical conduct, in the same way sometimes, the soul affects the body,” (2) thus, our physical conduct (the way we dress, eat, act) has a direct impact on our inner state (our thinking process, the way we feel). And that is why we should include these mindful habits in our daily routine – they help us stay grounded, especially when we feel uncertain and enter new beginnings. By making space for both physical and spiritual care, we are able to grow with purpose and stay connected to what truly matters.

In conclusion, as we begin our new academic year with courage, resilience and compassion, we must remember that receiving education is a huge privilege; a responsibility, which not all have access to. Consequently, we must fulfil this responsibility by praising and turning to Allah the Almighty, because that is where true success lies. As it states in Chapter 5, Verse 36 of the Holy Qur’an, “Fear Allah and seek the way of approach unto Him and strive in His way that you may prosper.”

So, let’s begin September by choosing to stand back up courageously when we fall down, learn from our mistakes, our failures and turn to Allah the Almighty, especially in our most vulnerable moments.

Because beginnings matter. And how we begin, often shapes how we continue.

References:
(1) True emancipation through the everlasting teachings of Islam: English translation of Huzoor’s address in ladies’ session of Jalsa Salana UK 2021
(2) The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam – page 10