– Enamurrahman
The statement “The busier you are, the more time you have” may seem paradoxical (strange but true). At first glance, it does not appear to make much sense. However, if we look deeper, we may find in it a solution to one of the most fundamental problems of today’s fast-paced life, especially for students.
With increasing academic pressure and endless tasks, many students feel as though time is slipping away. Yet, those who actively engage in meaningful activities often discover that they accomplish much more than those who remain idle. In this article, we will explore this idea further and understand how staying engaged in purposeful activities can actually help students use their time more efficiently and feel more in control of their daily lives.
In recent years, a growing number of students have come to believe that, alongside academics, they must avoid any activity that might add strain to their studies. This belief is even stronger among those preparing for competitive exams, where isolation is often seen as essential for focus. While studying, many students view reading books outside the prescribed syllabus as a waste of time even though it is, in reality, a highly beneficial activity.
It is easily observable that today’s academics are largely centered around securing high grades. As a result, the genuine pursuit of deep and meaningful knowledge is gradually diminishing among students. While some students do achieve excellent marks, many others struggle with societal, psychological, and emotional pressures when they fail to meet grade expectations. This leads us to an important question: Where is the students’ time actually going?
The burden of doing too much without being motivated enough might pull students down
The answer lies in recognizing certain facts about our era.
Today is often called the modern age – the era of technology and advancement. In discussions and dialogues, it is commonly emphasized that modern resources and tools are meant to aid students in their studies. However, in practice, these very resources often become instruments of distraction, – waste students’ valuable time, damage their health, erode their potential, and, more importantly, weaken their morality and ethics. This misuse of resources results in a loss of interest in studies, accumulation of academic backlogs, and a decline in overall student performance.
The solution to these problems lies in discovering the true purpose of life.
It is the clarity of purpose that acts as the driving force during the journey of life and provides strength during its hardships.
Let me explain this with an example: If a student makes it the purpose of their life to live according to Islam aiming to please Allah (Rabb) and ultimately attain Jannah – then, naturally, the student will reorganize all their activities around this noble goal.
In today’s challenging times, Islam calls upon students to seek deep and genuine knowledge both of Islamic teachings and their chosen fields of study and to build a character strong enough to help uplift the Ummah. Achieving this mission demands sincere effort, the courage to face failures, resilience to keep trying, and a heart committed to continuous self-improvement.
While striving for this purpose, students naturally develop the ability to multitask. You have often heard about the benefits of multitasking – how handling diverse activities builds efficiency and sharpens focus. A busy and purposeful schedule encourages students to balance multiple responsibilities at once, making them more capable and adaptable.
A purpose driven student has a multi-pronged vision, and has the potential to develop a much rounded personality
Additionally, in the process of living with purpose, students begin to face real challenges from the very first day. These challenges may come from personal thoughts and habits, peer pressure, or societal expectations. Often, the demands of the Nafs (desires), family, and society are in direct opposition to the demands of Islam. This conflict becomes the root cause of many of the struggles a committed student must navigate.
Sometimes, students must organize and manage various programs to spread the teachings of Islam and address the problems facing their fellow students and society at large. In doing so, they are compelled to develop valuable skills – skills in public speaking, writing, technical proficiency, event management, leadership, and more.
Over time, these skills not only enhance their ability to serve their community but also contribute significantly to their academic performance and overall personality development.
As it is beautifully said
“Maktab-e-ishq ka andaaz niraala dekha, Usko chhutti na mili jisne sabaq yaad kiya.”
(The style of the school of love is unique. The one who truly learned the lesson never received a break.)
This couplet offers a profound and practical solution to our dilemma.
When a person truly understands and internalizes the purpose of life, they enter a state where no task feels like a burden especially tasks that contribute to their ultimate aim. They naturally begin to organize their time and efforts with discipline and passion, without the need for external pressure.
Thus, the busier they become with meaningful and purpose-driven work, the more free, focused, and peaceful they feel internally.
