Investing Time into Service:
In the Islamic holy book, The Qur’an, God swears “By all of time, surely man is in loss” (103:1-2). In my opinion, this statement has two meanings; the first of which is that every second that goes by is a moment that we cannot ever get back. Thus, as humans we are perpetually losing time. The second meaning I derive from this statement is that we, mankind, are constantly preoccupied with so many distractions that we are lost in the rat race. These interpretations lead us to the conclusion that we must take advantage of the time given to us, and what better way to accomplish that than through the service of others.
Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (S) said,
"Whosoever alleviates [the lot of] a needy person, Allah will alleviate [his lot] in this world and the next”.
As Muslims, not only is it a priority for us to provide service to the community, it’s an obligation. After having graduated this past May, I recognize that the most important aspect of my college career was the time I had to invest in the numerous service opportunities at Loyola. Once you graduate and the bubble of college life bursts, the time and opportunities to participate in service activities also diminishes. The years you spend in college are some of the most important years of your life because they can shape and define the person you want to be. Make the most of them, before the rat race catches up with you.
-Shahid Barkat
Former MSA President
InshaAllah this week, let us all strive to participate in at least one of the service events being held this week on campus!
In the Islamic holy book, The Qur’an, God swears “By all of time, surely man is in loss” (103:1-2). In my opinion, this statement has two meanings; the first of which is that every second that goes by is a moment that we cannot ever get back. Thus, as humans we are perpetually losing time. The second meaning I derive from this statement is that we, mankind, are constantly preoccupied with so many distractions that we are lost in the rat race. These interpretations lead us to the conclusion that we must take advantage of the time given to us, and what better way to accomplish that than through the service of others.
Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (S) said,
"Whosoever alleviates [the lot of] a needy person, Allah will alleviate [his lot] in this world and the next”.
As Muslims, not only is it a priority for us to provide service to the community, it’s an obligation. After having graduated this past May, I recognize that the most important aspect of my college career was the time I had to invest in the numerous service opportunities at Loyola. Once you graduate and the bubble of college life bursts, the time and opportunities to participate in service activities also diminishes. The years you spend in college are some of the most important years of your life because they can shape and define the person you want to be. Make the most of them, before the rat race catches up with you.
-Shahid Barkat
Former MSA President
InshaAllah this week, let us all strive to participate in at least one of the service events being held this week on campus!