During the arduous Expedition of Tabuk, the Muslim army marched for hundreds of miles through scorching desert heat. Some companions in Medina were unable to join due to severe physical illness, poverty, or lack of transport, and they wept bitter tears because they could not participate.
As the army was marching, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ turned to his companions and said, “Indeed, in Medina there are men who, whenever you traveled any distance or crossed any valley, were right there with you.”
The companions were surprised and asked, “O Messenger of Allah, even while they are sitting back in Medina?”
The Prophet ﷺ replied, “Yes, they were held back only by a valid excuse.”
Such is the power of intention (niyyah). The companions’ sincere desire to be on that path was so powerful that Allah SWT granted them the exact same reward as the soldiers who endured the blistering desert heat.
Monitoring our Intentions in Every Act
Having seen the significant impact of intentions, take this opportunity to renew your niyyah as Jamiyah Academy begins the new semester.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
إِنَّمَا الأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ وَإِنَّمَا لِكُلِّ امْرِئٍ مَا نَوَى
“Actions are judged by intentions, and every person will have what they intended…” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Book 13, Hadith 27)
When your intention is to seek self-improvement for the sake of Allah SWT, even ordinary tasks become acts of worship (ibadah). Attending lectures, revising notes, and completing assignments are no longer merely academic responsibilities. They become meaningful steps towards earning the pleasure of Allah SWT (mardhatillah).
Exercising Discipline in our Daily Lives
Having the right intention is only the beginning. A sincere niyyah must be supported by discipline. Success is rarely achieved through bursts of motivation alone. Instead, it is built through small, everyday habits.
Setting aside time each week to plan your schedule, breaking assignments into manageable tasks, and reviewing your lessons consistently can make a significant difference over the course of a semester.
There will inevitably be days when motivation fades. During those moments, discipline becomes the bridge between intentions and actions. Rather than waiting to “feel” motivated, remind yourself of your purpose. Every page you read, every concept you learn and every challenge you persevere through, is an investment in both your personal growth and your faith.
A few tips to stay motivated:
- Set clear and achievable goals
Avoid setting unrealistic goals from the outset. Let’s say you struggled with the Arabic language and barely passed your examinations in the previous semester. Take a step back and look at your strengths and weaknesses. Seek help from Jamiyah Academy’s professors and lecturers. Reassess your progress and set the next goal. Small, consistent changes would help build momentum and keep you motivated. - Celebrate your progress
Recognise and express gratitude to Allah SWT for every milestone you reach, no matter how small. Celebrating your progress reinforces positive habits and reminds you that every step forward brings you closer to your long-term goal. - Make time for hobbies and rest
Having a healthy mind and body is important in helping you maintain a positive outlook in life. Set aside time for activities you enjoy outside of school, whether it’s exercising, reading, spending time with family and friends, or pursuing a hobby. Taking regular breaks helps you recharge and return to your studies with renewed energy and focus.
As you begin this new semester, take a moment to reflect on your niyyah. Ask yourself: “Why am I seeking knowledge? What do I hope to benefit through my education?”. Let these answers shape not only your goals but also your daily habits.
With sincere niyyah, steadfast discipline, and trust in Allah SWT (tawakkul), every step you take in your academic journey can become a step closer to success in this life and the next.
May Allah SWT bless your journey in Jamiyah Academy and accept all your efforts.
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