Az-Zarnuji's Testament: Provisions for Seeking Knowledge at the Start of the School Year

A new school year is about to begin. Students, both returning and new, will commence their studies. The start of the school term after a holiday is a moment for readapting to the environment and friends, particularly for new students. Given the fluctuating psychological readiness of students, advice is necessary at the beginning of their learning journey. Therefore, teachers, especially homeroom teachers, should provide students with guidance at the start of the new academic year. Through this opinion piece, the author shares material intended as a provision for students at the beginning of school. This material is summarised from the book ‘Ta’lim Al-Muta’allim’ by Syaikh Az-Zarnuji, a mandatory text in Islamic boarding schools across the country. Here are eleven pieces of advice from Syaikh Az-Zarnuji for students striving to seek knowledge. First, sincere intention. A student must have a sincere intention when studying, as intention is the foundation of all matters, including the pursuit of knowledge. Second, patience and perseverance in learning. Know that patience and perseverance are the roots of all virtue, yet few manage to practice them, as stated in a poem: ‘Everything aims high, but rarely is the heart steadfastly borne by people.’ Third, be selective in choosing friends. A student should choose friends who are diligent, honest, and quick to understand problems, while trying to avoid those who are lazy, undisciplined, talkative, and disruptive. Fourth, glorify knowledge. A student will not achieve success in knowledge, nor will it be beneficial, unless they are willing to glorify knowledge and its experts. Fifth, respect the teacher. Part of glorifying knowledge is respecting the teacher. The Prophet’s companion, Ali bin Abi Thalib, once said, ‘I am a servant to the one who has taught me a single letter.’ Sixth, be attentive to knowledge. A student must be fully attentive when receiving knowledge, even if they have heard it repeatedly. Seventh, avoid reprehensible character. A student must strive to guard against bad character traits, such as arrogance or conceit. It is said in a poem, ‘Knowledge is the enemy of the arrogant, just as a flood is the enemy of high ground.’ Eighth, be wholehearted. To obtain beneficial knowledge, a student must be wholehearted in learning continuously. Ninth, maintain continuity in reviewing lessons. A student must always study and review past lessons. This can be done at the beginning or end of the night, as these times are blessed and make concentration easier. Tenth, have noble aspirations. A student should have the highest possible aspirations. It is said that humans fly with their aspirations, just as birds fly with their wings. Eleventh, strive with all your might. A student should strive earnestly to achieve success, never tiring of learning, while appreciating the virtues of knowledge. May Allah guide teachers to consistently advise students, so that they focus on learning and become intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually intelligent individuals. Amen.