Solution for Lack of Focus in Studies: Guidance from Qur’an and Hadith
Source: Ahkam wa Masail, Vol. 01, in the light of Qur’an and Hadith, p. 495
❖ Background of the Question
The respected student writes that he is in the fifth year of Dars-e-Nizami at the well-known madrasa “Jamia Ishaʿat al-ʿUloom” in Chichawatni.
He says that although he has a desire for religious education, his heart is not fully inclined. When he sits to study, he does so out of compulsion, and every new lesson feels difficult and incomprehensible. As a result, his passion is decreasing.
He asks: How can I attain academic and spiritual excellence, while I have both time and teachers available, but still face this problem?
❖ Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ʿAmma Baʿd!
For such a student, the following guidelines from Qur’an and Sunnah are recommended for academic and spiritual improvement:
✿ Worship and Spiritual Practices
- Tahajjud: Perform it regularly.
- Fajr with congregation: Offer Fajr in congregation and avoid sleeping afterward.
- Dhikr and Tilāwah: Remain engaged in dhikr and recitation of Qur’an until sunrise.
- Two rakʿahs nafl: Pray two rakʿahs after sunrise.
✿ Taqwa and Good Conduct
- Always adopt taqwa in every matter.
- Show gentleness and respect towards teachers, peers, and students.
- Fulfill the rights of parents without any negligence.
✿ Method of Study
- Review the lesson in advance before it is taught.
- Never attend class without preparation.
- Work hard in memorizing and revising lessons.
✿ Duʿās and Supplications
- Duʿā for knowledge:
اللّٰهُمَّ انْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِي وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي وَزِدْنِي عِلْمًا
(Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī, Kitāb al-Daʿawāt, 3599)
Recite this frequently.
- Duʿā before sleeping:
اللّٰهُمَّ أَسْلَمْتُ نَفْسِي إِلَيْكَ... [full duʿā as narrated from al-Barāʾ ibn ʿĀzib (RA)]
(Saḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Kitāb al-Daʿawāt)
Make it a habit before sleeping, along with wudūʾ and lying on the right side, as per Sunnah.
- Duʿā for ease in tasks:
رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي
(My Lord, open my chest for me and make my task easy for me.)
Repeat this from time to time.
✿ Avoiding Futility and Sins
- Stay away from useless activities.
- Refrain from sins and disobedience completely.
References:
- Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī, Kitāb al-Daʿawāt, 3599
- Saḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Kitāb al-Daʿawāt, Chapter: Sleeping on the Right Side
- Date: 1/6/1420 AH
هذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
