By Siti Nabilah Shaikh OmarÂ
GOMBAK, 19 May  2015: As final examination approaches, preparations are again in full swing as students lock themselves away from the outside world, get lost in the pages of their textbooks, busy digesting their notes for the umpteenth time in a desperate bid to memorise and recall all that had passed over their heads since their courses began.
For many of us, the importance of success in examination has been engraved into their impressionable minds from the outset of school life by parents, teachers and peers. Thus, the stressful times in life when sitting for examination are inevitable.
So, amidst an atmosphere of such immense stress, we need to pause and look back by asking ourselves what is the purpose of pursuing our studies by getting a first degree, master or PhD?
First and foremost, we really need to check and correct our very intention for studying. Make an intention and renew them! For instance ask Allah for help; œOh Allah Almighty!! I am learning all of your knowledge, in order for me to attain some Halal sustenance, through this I would like to attain Your Pleasure and be more knowledgeable; through this I can please my parents and make them happy.
By having multiple intentions we can get tremendous benefits in whatever we embark on in the near future. Through the correct intentions that we have, the examination would become a source of guidance and knowledge for us and a source to draw us closer to Allahs Mercy upon us to make this world a better place to live.
We do not have to worry much about the grades if it does not satisfy oneself. Do not be upset if after all the efforts invested, it did not pay off. Indeed, we need to be thankful that through the examination we gone through, we get the chance to gain more knowledge.
As we know grades do not measure the amount knowledge that we acquired. If failure ever arises, never take any drastic action or give up. Remember the verse œDo not despair of the mercy of Allah (39:53). We cannot seek a permanent solution for a temporary problem. Evaluate the causes of failure and attempt corrective action, instead of giving up and stop striving. May Allah ease all our affairs in this dunya and the hereafter.”***