Voices from the College A Means of Enlightenment, Peace, and Salvation
An Answer to a Du‘ā’ Alhamdulillah, we have been blessed to be on this journey with Zaytuna since its transformation into a college in 2009.
Zaytuna is the olive tree, limited neither to the East nor to the West. It aims to spread and deliver knowledge to shine as light upon light that is linked across time to the root of Scripture. Such sacred knowledge exists to save humanity.
With each passing year, I have become more convinced of how vital institutions like Zaytuna are for Islam to thrive in the West. I heard a Friday sermon several years ago in which the imam raised concerns about Muslim youth leaving their religion, and I simply could not believe it. But, unfortunately, over the years I have personally witnessed young adults who have completely stopped practicing and even a few who no longer believe in the existence of God.
The first command revealed to the Prophet Muhammad s was, “Recite!” (96:1). From this command, the imperative for Muslims to read and to learn was established at the very beginning. The Holy Prophet s was a teacher who instilled in his Companions, may God be pleased with them, the knowledge of spiritual development, leadership, and statecraft. His teachings are the foundation of every chain of knowledge, which is preserved to this day. These lessons are a means of enlightenment, peace, and salvation.
We all hope and pray for our future generations to succeed in their dīn and dunyā, but this requires more than du‘ā’ alone. I sincerely believe that the answer to that du‘ā’ is Zaytuna, a college where students receive a rigorous higher education with a strong foundation in Islam.
The founders of Zaytuna College did not enter this for personal, political, or worldly gain but to obey that divine command by teaching and preserving sacred knowledge. This is a trust given to every generation to pass on to the next. In dark times, these chains connect us to the Prophet s, and his teachings are the means for reviving and rebuilding society.
The Qur’anic verse, “Where, then, are you going?” (81:26) shakes me to my core. I sincerely pray that institutions like Zaytuna will be a guidepost for our future generations. Those individuals who come out of Zaytuna will lovingly practice this beautiful faith, making them the best ambassadors of Islam.
The Qur’an instructs us to turn to those who have knowledge to teach us. And it is an obligation for those who have that knowledge to teach it. Likewise, to support such teaching is an obligation upon the community.
What better śadaqah jāriyah could I ask for? Dr. Farah Rana is a member of the Zaytuna College Board of Trustees.
Let us be among those who spend in the cause of Allah during both ease and hardship. Let this be the means by which we gain His pleasure. Dr. Suhail Obaji is a member of the Zaytuna College Board of Trustees.
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