Studying abroad in a foreign country far from home requires us to stand up on our own two feet. This feat coupled with the act of embodying positive traits is of great significance. As seekers of the Knowledge, we may face challenges and hiccups along the way. The journey towards betterment is not an easy path, and we will always be tested so that we can progress in life and develop into better individuals.

 

Practising appreciation helps us in navigating life and reminds us of the blessings that we’ve been granted. We can practice being appreciative by remembering the 3 Cs: appreciation for our Creator, His Creations and Cosmo. 

 

In times of uncertainty and distress, our thoughts may be clouded by negativity thus making us focus on the bad side and spiraling into internal doom. I’ve personally experienced this before and it resulted into me being distant from my loved ones. I couldn’t see the silver lining behind things that happened as I was too busy dwelling in misery. Acknowledging pain and validating it is essential in the process of healing from what hurt us. Turn to Allah SWT at all times and remember that His Mercy encompasses all of His Creations. When we are overwhelmed with sadness, pray unto Him and let Him listen to our silent cries. Seek our Lord and remember Him especially when we are at our best. Manifestation of love for our Creator will plant gratitude in our hearts, and we will learn to love His Creations and the Universe too. 

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We tend to overlook the smallest gifts of Life as it is something that is not apparent. Pause – see the beauty around us – cultivate mindfulness in the things we do and surround ourselves with. Remember to always count our blessings and never compare ourselves to others. Shift our focus by thanking our Lord always and work on our relationship with Him instead. The tests and trials in life is to only make us stronger and to make us grow. 

 

May He instill gratitude in our hearts always. 

May His Light reach us during our darkest days. 

May we always strive towards goodness and may He ease our journey as seekers of His Knowledge.

Never lose hope for His Love is boundless. 

 

An excerpt of ayah from Surah An-Nahl, verse 18:

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وَإِنْ تَعُدُّوا نِعْمَةَ اللَّهِ لَا تُحْصُوهَا ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَغَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ

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“And if you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”