Connecting with Allah through Exams

Exam periods for nearly every student is that time of year which they dread. No matter what the exam is, whether they are school/college exams, madrassah exams, your driving test, regardless of what exam it is, without a doubt it is one of the most stressful times for a student. Having to cram everything in which you have been taught in the past few months, in the past year(s) even, for an exam can be very nerve wracking and difficult for any individual.

To pass an exam one must always prepare well. Revising thoroughly, understanding and memorising everything you have been taught. Many students try to cram everything in the last minute and others also have sleepless nights. Many people have different revision methods, some work for some and not for others. Everyone has their own way and technique. How many students have you come across who haven’t been attending lessons, let alone paying attention in lessons, yet they still manage to achieve the best of marks? Whereas, those who have been revising constantly and putting in their effort just about scrape the pass mark.

That`s because each one of us is different and it is in this difference and diversity that Allah`s Greatness is manifested.

However, whether you are a last-nighter or a studious learner, there is one thing that we must never forget.

Tawakkul [توكل]

It all depends on tawakkul. Do whatever you can in your power, but know that ultimately, your brain cannot do anything for you, your memory power cannot do anything for you, your skills of writing and speaking cannot do anything for you. Nothing can help you without Allah ﷻ wanting to help you. Nothing will make you pass if Allah ﷻ has not written for you to pass. In essence, the main thing you need in order to pass your exam(s) is tawakkul, trust in your Lord, Allah ﷻ. Humble yourselves before Allah ﷻ. Nothing is because of you. You do not pass your exams because of your efforts. It is Allah ﷻ who has given you the ability to do all the preparations for your exams in the first place. Who gave you a brain? Who gave the brain the ability to learn understand and retain? It is all from Allah ﷻ. So, humble yourself, turn to Allah ﷻ and place your utmost trust in Allah ﷻ.

يَقُولُ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى أَنَا عِنْدَ ظَنِّ عَبْدِي بِي، وَأَنَا مَعَهُ إِذَا ذَكَرَنِي

It has been narrated by the Messenger of Allah ﷺ that Allah ﷻ has said, “I am just as My servants thinks of Me and I am with him whenever he thinks of Me…” [Bukhari & Muslim]

Tawakkul is not in the means (i.e. pens, books, brains etc.). Allah ﷻ has granted us the means, use all the means you may, but place all your trust in Allah ﷻ.

سَمِعْتُ أَنَسَ بْنَ مَالِكٍ، يَقُولُ قَالَ رَجُلٌ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَعْقِلُهَا وَأَتَوَكَّلُ أَوْ أُطْلِقُهَا وَأَتَوَكَّلُ قَالَ اعْقِلْهَا وَتَوَكَّلْ ‏

Anas ibn Malik RA reported: A man said, “O Messenger of Allah, should I tie my camel and trust in Allah, or should I leave her untied and trust in Allah?” The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Tie her and trust in Allah.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2517]

Which proves to us that we may use the means given to us, but in the end, Allah ﷻ is the One in total control.