Living in the West brings you a lot of opportunities. Alhamdulillah, as Ahmadi Muslims we are lucky to be living in a society where we have the freedom to practise our religion freely without the persecution and hatred endured by other Ahmadis across the world. Here, everyone is equal and granted the same education but this comes with added responsibility as we are also confronted with many difficulties. Often, it can be quite challenging to see the difference between right and wrong when there are so many distractions all around us.
One place where we face these problems every day is at school. It is a place where we have to interact with all kinds of people and unfortunately there are many wrongs embedded nowadays. Using bad language has become a fashion, bullying is very common and inappropriate talks are a norm. Not just this but from a young age, children are taught inappropriate things and wrong ideas are promoted. So how should we as Ahmadi Muslims act and behave when confronted with these challenges?
Well firstly, children nowadays do things out of peer pressure. Everyone blindly follows the same trends, easily influenced by friends. Alhamdulillah we are blessed to have a strong leadership through our beloved Huzoor (aba) who has given us guidance on this: “Good company is also very important and so you should choose your friends wisely.” as good friends means no bad influence (Waqf-e-Nau UK Ijtema, 2018). Sometimes we may feel self-conscious talking about our beliefs but Huzoor (aba) has also said that “Without any inferiority complex, you should explain to others the beautiful teachings of Islam.” (Waqf-e-Nau UK Ijtema, 2015).
Even when not faced with these issues, we must still be role models with excellent behaviour. Huzoor (aba) has said “If your behaviour is good, people will get attracted towards you and in this way, you can make more friends.” (Virtual Meeting with Atfal from North of UK 2021). This doesn’t just give you good company, but leaves a good impression on others. People should be able to tell that we are Ahmadis from this alone.
With this good behaviour, we should also be brilliant students and excel in our studies. Apart from academics, we must also shine in sports as well. Huzoor (aba) has said that “Taking part in sports and doing exercise is important…,” and being a well rounded student means we can influence others around us and bring a change (MKA UK Ijtema, 2019).
We should always have respect for others and never say anything that might offend them. Not only the students, but the teachers as well. The Holy Prophet (saw) has said that “Honour him from whom you acquire knowledge.” (Wisdom of the Holy Prophet(saw), 1981).
And when we are taught inappropriate things that are not suitable for our age, we should always inform our parents and not let the promotion of wrong things influence our life.
May Allah enables us to be exemplary students in school and enables us to excel in any field we choose, Ameen.
By Ajjar Mansoor, 14.
