“I don’t know” Life, a learning journey!

“I don’t know”

How many times have I repeated this sentence to my kids during my ten years of homeschooling?

And then, together, we attempted to find the answer by using books, the internet, or just our brains. It was always a great opportunity to increase our knowledge and move forward.

Indeed, information is there, we have just to wake up and search., as our Creator recommends to us, “Iqra”!

The learning journey is surely difficult with a lot of obstacles. However, it’s what gives meaning to our life, grows us, and improves us by remaining humble.

Life is a learning journey. And it’s never too late to undertake it and make it easy as it’s mentioned in the Qur’an and the Sunna.

“And We have certainly made the Qur’an easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?” Surah 54 Verse 22

1. “Begin with the end in your mind” – Dr. Stephen R. Covey

What is our intention, what is our project, and what is our purpose?

Answering these questions is fundamental before beginning any action. This will allow us to define our vision and our direction correctly, and thus, give ourselves the means to achieve our objectives by being proactive.

Keeping in our mind our goal helps us be perseverant and never give up!

“Actions are according to intentions, and everyone will get what was intended” Hadith (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Don’t forget that our heart will be our compass which will direct us throughout all our journey in search of science and truth. It must be pure,  just, and objective.

So, purify our heart and Our Creator will ease the way for us by His Will.

“But you cannot will ˹to do so˺, except by the Will of Allah, the Lord of all worlds.” Surah 81 Verse 29

And, what a magnificent project it is to attain the satisfaction of our Lord and obtain His promise in seeking knowledge, Paradise!

“Whosever follows the path in the pursuit of knowledge, Allah (swt) will make the path to the Paradise easy for him” Hadith (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

2. “Finding Your Element” – by Ken Robinson

“Learn by heart”.

Indeed, learning comes from the heart. That means we have to love what we do or what we learn, so as to be in our Element.

When we are passionate, we are motivated and inspired. And, so we will be able to be more productive, to give our best and excel.

Science is vast and human knowledge can only be relative.

According to our favorite field or subject, we must seek the science that will be most profitable to us and will allow us to best serve the community.

“O Allah, I ask you for knowledge that is of benefit, a good provision, and deeds that will be accepted.” Hadith (Reported pas Ibn Majah)

“And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart – about all those [one] will be questioned.” Surah 17 Verse 36

Then, we don’t forget that to succeed as a student we must make the effort to find the right tools and the right teachers or mentors. It’s our responsibility.

“Two people don’t learn, the shy and the proud” Hadith (Related by Al-Bukhari)

“My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.” Surah 20 Verse 114

3. “No mind” – The Last  Samuraï.

Now, we know what is our direction, we are in our element, aware of our responsibility.

Our heart needs to be focused only on that.

It involves going away from trivialities and emptying our mind. We have to put our trust in our Creator with a pure, sincere, and grateful heart.

“And my success is not but through Allah. Upon him, I have relied, and to Him, I return.” Surah 11 Verse 88

 ‘If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more.” Surah 14 Verse 7

Thus, step by step with constant hard work, we will succeed!

“Verily with hardship comes ease” Surah 94 Verse 5

“Human can have only that for which they make effort” Surah 54 Verse 39

Science nourishes our heart. However, in this long way, we do not forget to also nourish our body with a healthy diet and let it rest.

Indeed, our heart, our mind, and our body are connected,

Breaks are crucial to staying in shape, keeping a positive mindset, and renewing our intentions.

Thus, we will be able to face, with a serene heart, a sane mind, and a healthy body, the trials.

«  The son of Adam can not fill a vessel worse than his stomach, as it is enough for him to take a few bites to straighten his back. If he can not, then he may fill it with a third of his food, a third of his drink, and a third of his breath. » Sunan al-Tirmidhi

« And made your sleep for rest, and made the night as a cover. » Surah 78  Verses 7-8

And finally, keep in mind that the journey is more important than the destination and a possible failure is also a source of knowledge.

Keep learning then act and convey!

“Learn, learn then when you have learned then act”. (Related by Al Khatib Al Baghdadi and authenticated by Cheikh Albani )

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: ceaseless charity; a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased).” (Related by Muslim)