When a Muslim in a North American university or
college for the first time, he or she comes into
contact with a community whose culture and lifestyle
are diametrically opposed to the Islamic way of
life.
The
culture of Western universities can only be
described as hedonistic, nihilistic and
narcissistic. That is to say, many inhibitions are
let loose and individual whims and fancies run wild.
The freshman year itself begins with orientation,
which while supposedly a process of introduction and
transition to the university for the first-year
student, is an opportunity for most participants to
drown themselves (sometimes literally) in alcohol
and pursue sexual opportunities.
This sets the stage for the school year. On any
given school day, a student can choose to go to
class, sleep in and skip the whole day, drink,
party, or study, all depending on how he or she
feels at that moment. Individual desires become the
first priority and everything else takes a back
seat.
The
uncontested reign of individualism is also reflected
in the values promoted by student councils and
governments. All lifestyles, especially those
furthest from religion, are promoted. Illicit,
unlimited sex is seen as something to be sought and
a basis for building a macho reputation (as long you
can avoid sexually transmitted diseases - for which
purpose condoms and condom machines proliferate
around campus). Homosexuality is something to be
proud of and promoted as a viable alternative.
Student campaigns and marches are organized against
those who dare to speak out and challenge this value
structure; these challengers are regarded as
reactionary, undemocratic and of course, religious
extremists and fundamentalists. In the university
community therefore, the self is god, and everyone
loves this god and engages in daily worship, and
obeys the laws that this god creates, and everyone
adjusts as these laws change on a daily basis.
The conscious Muslim makes every attempt to, while
pursuing his or her studies, increase their
knowledge of Quran and Sunnah, so that they may
better understand and apply the faith. The structure
of this Muslim’s day is around salat, and this
person juggles and adjusts their daily schedule and
makes every effort to insure that the five daily
salat are performed on time. Similarly, this
individual understands the approach of Ramadan and
prepares for it, again making the necessary
adjustments in order to make sure that they are on
top of their studies, that assignments are being
handed in, that the best marks are being achieved,
all while the requirements of the daily fasts are
being met.
For
the Muslim, Islam is never an excuse for slacking
off, whether in academics or with respect to other
responsibilities. As well, the observant Muslim may
choose to participate in those clubs, activities and
aspects of university life that do not contradict
the Quran and Sunnah and do not place the Muslim in
positions where he or she must compromise the faith.
Thus, the conscientious Muslim enters the University
atmosphere and struggles constantly to maintain a
structured set of priorities. He or she follows
Allah’s order: “So strive as in a race in good
deeds.” [Al-Ma’idah 5: 48],Transliteration:
Fastabiqu Al-Khayrati
On the other hand, there is also the borderline
Muslim, who knows his or her identity but whose
consciousness of Islam, due to upbringing or
experience, is not terribly strong. This individual
is on the ‘borderline’ because they are pulled one
way by their understanding of Islam and in the
opposite direction by the powerful pressures of the
university culture. Is it at all surprising that
many Muslims who are on the borderline succumb to
the pressures of the atmosphere around them and
become, at best, part-time Muslims?
At
the end, the challenge is great. All Muslims in the
university community have to struggle in order to
maintain their Islam. Those who are practicing,
committed and understand the objective of their
existence have further duties. They must invite the
border liners with hikmah (wisdom) and understanding
but with firmness as well. And they must inform the
university community at large about Islam in the
different ways that are available. Yes, of course
the challenge is great. But insha’ Allah, the reward
is much greater
