As you begin the next phase of your education in life, I wish you the very best. May Allah Almighty make the knowledge you gain, a reason for you to come closer to Him and for you to carry forward the flag of our Deen.
Among st siblings , you always had the biggest spot in my heart. Maybe in many of your actions ,you remind me of myself - unsure, not confident and at times, too naive that any one can take advantage of you and start dominating over. Now I understand a tiny fraction of the angst dad went through, when he first left me in Bangalore.
...and I have learnt now,
Love should never suffocate. Love should always set free so that the other person can soar to the heights they were destined for.
During all my years in Bangalore, your simple messages of " We are just a call away" or an SMS early in the morning "Enthu patti Ramana" - (Whats wrong) on a day when I didn't want to face the sun have always kept me going. And I promise you the same, support from a sister any time and every time. I will always be a call away whether is it that I am married or in another country or hanging 3 kids upside down, I will always have time for you. I shall listen to your rants if you want to convey in me or just be there by your side, if you dont want to tell me . I shall not judge or lose my temper. (But yeah, I ll advice a hell lot, you know that :D )
Before everything, I hope your are sure and happy with your decision of the course cos that is something you will be doing for the rest of your life :D
College life will be very different from the life you have led until now.
It will be exciting , adventurous and fun , yet you will have days when it tests you of all your strength. Whatsoever happens, remember this, Allah is always by your side. He is Al Wali - The protecting friend. Derive your strength from Him. Complain and cry of your sadness to Him. Pray your Salah on time. Whether it is 4 AM Fajr or Dhuhr in between classes, say your prayers. Carry your Musallah if you have to with you, but pray on time. Keep the English translation of Qur'aan with you.
Take time in making friends, but make good ones. For they are the ones who will stick by you when you get a blasting session from HoD or when you have to face the stressful ordeals of placements.
You will encounter people whose right and wrong differs from yours. Respect them , but never fall in to a company which actions do not conform to your values of right and wrong. Before you make any decision, whether it be going out with a friend or for a party, ask yourself, two questions,
" Is it right in front of Allah?" & " Is it in accordance to the values uppa , umma has taught us?" As long as it is Yes to both, you shall not waver from your path. Never give in to peer pressure. Make your own rules and boundaries and stick by them.
Your certain decisions of not mixing with certain crowd or having food that are Halal only etc might bring in unwanted and sometimes hurtful comments. Be patient with it. If you can explain to them your belief. If not , ignore the negativism respectfully.
I always try to remind myself this Hadith in such situations ,
"Islam began as something strange and it will return strange as it began, so give glad tidings for the strangers" - Sahih Muslim
You will come in touch with the opposite gender , innumerable times. Choose the path of being neither extremes. Dont be too close so that one day you will have to answer Allah for wrong deeds neither too far that people end up calling "anti -social" . I think , you know better and I might not have to say much !
Your traits of kindness , humility and humour (read -challis) are something I adore in you. Dont ever let these qualities of yours get jaded with time due to cynicism of others.
Too much of advicing eh? (so typically me :D)
Go in for trips with friends. Have a stay over at a pal's house. Go for a classmate's sister/brother's wedding. Visit the beach.Take many crazy photographs.Ace an exam ;) Have all the fun in the world. Make memories. These 4 years, whether you like it or not then , will be the memorable ones of your life...
Whatsoever happens, always know , you have a lovely home to come back to. A place where you are loved, accepted and proud of , always ! :)
May you remain in Allah's protection always!
Love,
Me ! :)
PS : Study very well :D :D
