Cultivating Taqwa

A Publication of The MSSN UNILAG Editorial Board 24/25

Assalamualaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuh O wonderful reader of Al-mustaqeem! 🤭

How are preparations for the upcoming exams going? We know it too, these are challenging times!😭😭

Being a muslim and student of the University of Lagos, ace-ing exams is important, and in striving for success on this level, we would encounter distractions (fitnah) that weaken our awareness of Allah.

We may: delay Salah or adopt unhealthy study habits that cause us to neglect our spiritual well-being.

Indeed, we are indeed in challenging times, as the Prophet ﷺ described: “There will come a time when holding onto the deen will be like holding onto hot coal.” 🥺

But…

With all of the challenges that come with maintaining Taqwa, its reward is far greater than we can imagine.

MONDAY MOTIVATION

The Monday motivation is here again to awaken and prepare you for the week with a special piece on Taqwa.

Allah says in the Holy Quran:

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَٰتِهِۦ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنتُم مُّسۡلِمُون

"O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him]."

(Aal-e-Imran 3:102)

You'll agree it is contradictory to claim love and hope in Allah while being heedless of Him in our actions and conduct.

Dr. Salih Al-Fawzan in his book, Guide to Sound Creed, explains this concept beautifully:

“For, loving Allah without submission to Him is not regarded as worship. Thus, he who loves something without submitting to it is not a true worshipper of it. This is the same as one’s love for one's son or friend.”

The reward for Taqwa is massive, Allah assures us in the Quran that the ultimate success is guaranteed for those who have Taqwa. One of the benefits of Taqwa that will resonate with us as students preparing for exams is from Surah Al-Talaq (Q 65: 2-3).

Allah says :

وَمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يَجۡعَل لَّهُۥ مَخۡرَجٗا وَيَرۡزُقۡهُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَحۡتَسِبُ

"And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out, and will provide for him from where he does not expect.”

Fearing Allah also entails fulfilling our obligations and giving each their due right. In doing so, Allah has promised us success.

As we prepare for exams, maintaining consciousness of Allah and fulfilling our responsibilities as Muslims is part of our duty. In return, Allah has promised us success, both in this life and the Hereafter.

May Allah make it easy for us. Aameen!🤲

FORGOTTEN SUNNAH

What is the MSSN Newsletter without bringing back to memory the forgotten Sunnah?

Ibn ‘Umar said, “Whoever has taqwa of his Lord and maintains ties of kinship, his term of life will be prolonged, his wealth will be abundant, and his family will love him.” (Al Adab al-Mufrad)

“The Messenger of Allah said to me: ‘Have Taqwa of Allah wherever you are, and follow an evil deed with a good one to wipe it out and treat the people with good behaviour.” (Tirmidhi)

In these two ahadith, taqwa is mentioned before these good characteristics, and this serves as a reminder that we should be conscious of Allah before doing anything.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU.

It has become part and parcel of us to bring you meaningful opportunities your way. Below are the opportunities and their links👇

Call for Submissions: The 2025 Adeola Oyinlade & Co National Essay Competition for Law Students in All Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria

This Essay competition is open to 100 – 500 level law students in all tertiary institutions (Federal, State and Private) in Nigeria.

Deadline: February 21, 2025

Benefits: ₦600,000 Prizes with Certification, Internship opportunities.

Visit: https://www.adeolaoyinlade.com/en/call-for-submissions-the-2025-adeola-oyinlade-co-national-essay-competition-for-law-students-in-all-tertiary-institutions-in-nigeria-exciting-prizes/

Federal Government 3MTT DeepTech Upskilling Programme For Nigerians

Benefits: The programme runs for 6 months per cohort; Self-paced learning with on-site support for deeper understanding; Real-world project immersion to build your portfolio; Job-readiness activities to prepare you for career success.

VISIT: https://3mtt.nitda.gov.ng/deeptech/

MSSN UPDATES

MSSN UNILAG to Host Virtual Freshers’ Orientation Ahead of In-Person Sessions

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Unilag Chapter, has announced the organization of a virtual orientation for new students, scheduled for February 17th to 19th.

This initiative aims to welcome freshers following the start of the academic session through online learning, helping them become acquainted with society’s values and the support systems available to them, ensuring they feel at home within the university community.

In light of the current online academic framework, the virtual orientation will serve as a preparatory event, providing freshers with vital academic, spiritual, and social guidance. The sessions will include engaging discussions on navigating university life as a Muslim student, balancing faith with academics, and making the most of the resources offered by MSSN.

Additionally, a physical freshers' orientation is planned for the second semester when students return to campus, offering a chance for deeper interactions, bonding, and involvement in MSSN activities in person.

All freshers are encouraged to take part in the virtual session, as it will lay a strong foundation for their journey at the university and within MSSN.

Members' Spotlight: RAHEEM ABDULFATAI ISOLA

Raheem AbdulFatai Isola, a 400-level Electrical and Electronics Engineering student, completed his Qur’an memorization earlier this month.

His journey, which began in late 2019, was marked by early struggles with consistency. However, his involvement in MSSN UNILAG’s Qur’an clubs and boot camps provided the support and motivation needed to stay on track.

Balancing memorization with academics was a challenge, but through discipline and perseverance, he achieved his goal. His story serves as an inspiration to many.

To cap it all: A Big Thank You!

As we conclude the first semester, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you, our valued readers, for being part of the Al-Mustaqeem adventure! Your engagement and support have been the driving force behind our efforts, and we're honored you allowed us to share this semester with you.

We urge you to make conscious and specific Duas for success, guidance, and knowledge, and may Allah ease your exam voyage and grant you your wishes.

Remember, hard work and dedication are key, so keep pushing. We go for gold and none else!💪

One Final Thing: Make Your Thoughts Heard

We value your feedback and would love to hear your thoughts on our activities so far.

Please take a minute to complete our feedback form below:

https://tally.so/r/3qJlrg

Until we come your way again in the second semester, salam! ✌️😉