A year that has passed, a year that we have to make!

Written by: Muhammad Fida Mustafa Qadri

As the years pass by, each one leaves behind some questions, experiences, and bitter-sweet realities. The past years have taught us that merely the passage of time does not change circumstances, but rather a change in thought, attitude, and action is what makes a real difference. We have repeated mistakes, let opportunities slip away, and our silence has often increased our losses. Now, as 2026 stands before us, this year is not about fear or despair, but about self-reflection, reform, and new determination. It is time for us to learn from past experiences and move towards a better, more aware, and responsible future.

When we say we want to make 2026 better, first, we need to determine what the foundation of our life is. If the foundation is weak, the building, no matter how beautiful, will not last long. This principle applies to an individual's life and the history of nations. Therefore, the first aspect of reform is to make living our lives in the light of the Quran and Sunnah our primary objective.

The Quran is not just a book for recitation, but a guide for understanding and organizing life. It tells us what the true status of a human is, what their responsibilities are, and on what principles they should live. Similarly, the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is not just a few actions, but a complete practical model that teaches us how to implement the Quran's guidance in daily life. When the Quran guides and the Sunnah shows the way, balance and purpose come into life.

Today, our tragedy is that we have pushed religion to the sidelines of our lives. The Quran is in our homes, but not included in our decisions; the Sunnah is on our tongues, but not reflected in our behavior. The result is that despite comforts, we appear restless; despite knowledge, we are confused; and despite worship, we are morally weak. If we truly want to make 2026 a year of change, we must bridge the gap that has developed between our claims and our actions.

Living life in the light of the Quran and Sunnah means that we base our affairs, whether domestic, educational, economic, or social, on the principles of justice, honesty, truth, and piety. These are the values that make an individual strong and society righteous. When a person's character is correct, circumstances change on their own because change always begins from within.

This is why the first construction of 2026 does not require a slogan or temporary emotions, but a conscious decision. If we make the Quran and Sunnah the center of our life, the coming year will not just be a new page in history, but the beginning of a new intellectual direction, a new practical approach, and a purposeful life.

When we resolve to make the Quran and Sunnah the foundation of our life, the next important requirement is knowledge. Because without knowledge, neither religion can be understood correctly, nor can the world be dealt with properly. Therefore, the second aspect of making 2026 better is that we ourselves acquire better education and also enable our relatives, friends, and especially our children to get quality and balanced education.

Islamic education defines our intellectual identity and spiritual direction. Islamic sciences such as Quran, Hadith, Aqidah, Fiqh, Ilm al-Kalam, Tasawwuf, ethics, human sciences, and biology teach humans how to recognize Allah, understand themselves, and behave with creation. These sciences create awareness, responsibility, and moral balance in humans and give them insight instead of blind following.

However, neglecting worldly sciences alongside religious sciences is a serious mistake. Subjects like science, mathematics, sociology, history, biology, physics, e-commerce, and political science give us the ability to understand time, analyze systems, and make our place in the modern world with dignity. These sciences not only provide employment but also enable us to play an effective role in building society.

The real need is to see religion and the world not as opposites, but as complements to each other. When religious insight combines with worldly expertise, a person emerges who is not only virtuous but also capable. Such a person is beneficial not only for himself but also for his society.

If we want to make 2026 meaningful, we must take education seriously today, especially for our children. This is not just the responsibility of schools or madrasas, but a shared responsibility of parents, family, and the entire society. This balanced legacy of knowledge is the capital that can shape the future and is the second aspect without which no real change is possible.

When a person makes the Quran and Sunnah the foundation of their life, broadens their awareness through knowledge, and considers serving their parents a duty, the next relationship that deserves the most attention is that with their teacher. Therefore, the fourth aspect of making 2026 better is that we respect our teachers, listen to their words attentively, understand their advice and guidance, and reflect them in our practical life.

In Islam, the status of a teacher is not just that of a subject teacher, but of a guide, a path-shower, and a character-builder. What teachers teach is not just words, but experience, sincerity, and responsibility that build generations. Every advice of theirs contains a lesson, and every guidance contains a hidden good, provided we have the courage to listen and understand.

The etiquette of knowledge in the light of the Quran and Sunnah is itself a part of knowledge. Knowledge acquired without respect for the teacher does not settle in the heart or reflect in character. That's why our ancestors considered respect, silence, and attention before the teacher as the first condition of knowledge. The Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) teaches us that knowledge is fruitful only with respect, patience, and good manners.

Today, when criticism is easy and tolerance is difficult, sometimes teachers are considered mere salaried employees. This attitude is not only a sign of moral decline but also a cause of intellectual loss. If we want our youth to be knowledgeable, virtuous, and aware in 2026, we must give teachers their rightful place.

Respecting teachers is essential in all circumstances, whether there is disagreement, circumstances change, or time moves forward. Their prayers, guidance, and direction can shape a person's entire life. This is why respecting teachers is not just a social tradition, but a religious, moral, and intellectual responsibility.

This fourth aspect reminds us that nations that respected their teachers advanced in knowledge, civilization, and leadership. And this is the path that can make 2026 truly meaningful and dignified.

When a person makes the Quran and Sunnah the foundation of their life, values knowledge, respects parents and teachers, then they have a moral responsibility to be loyal to the educational institutions that enlightened their minds and contributed to their future. Therefore, the fifth aspect of making 2026 better is that we work seriously for the promotion and good name of our university, college, or institution.

Educational institutions are not just buildings or degrees, but centers where human thought is formed, temperament is built, and capabilities are directed. A student or graduate who values their institution actually values knowledge. Making one's institution renowned is not through advertising slogans, but through character, hard work, and practical life.

Working for the promotion of one's institution means that wherever we are, we prove through our ethics, honesty, and academic standards that we are students of a dignified institution. Serious work in the academic field, a positive role in social service, and honesty in professional life are the means by which an institution's reputation is established.

Especially, I cannot complete this discussion without mentioning my own educational institution, Darul Huda Islamic University, from where I got the opportunity to acquire education and where I saw the practical model of the blend of religion and the world. Darul Huda Islamic University has the distinctive feature of teaching high-quality religious education along with worldly sciences in a serious, organized, and purposeful manner. This balance is what the Ummah and society need today.

This institution did not just give us bookish knowledge, but the etiquette of thinking, the courage to question, and the awareness to connect knowledge with action. Here, along with Quran, Hadith, Fiqh, and other Islamic sciences, modern education is also given importance according to contemporary needs, so that the student is not only religious but also capable of understanding the problems of time and presenting their solutions.

While studying at Darul Huda, it is repeatedly felt that knowledge is not just a means of personal progress, but a trust that should be used for the betterment of society. This is why every student and graduate associated with this institution has the responsibility to enhance the institution's good name through their character, speech, and practical life.

I believe that if we, the students and graduates of Darul Huda Islamic University, use the knowledge we acquired with sincerity, this institution can become a shining example not only in the educational field but also on the intellectual and moral level. Working for the promotion and dignity of our institution in the context of 2026 is actually a practical expression of loyalty to the knowledge, teachers, and the system of education that taught us to think and live.

When we reflect on all aspects of our reform - the Quran and Sunnah, knowledge, respect for parents and teachers, and service to our institutions - a bitter but inevitable reality stands before us, and that is that silence is no longer an option. Especially in today's global scenario and more so in our own country, India, the way Muslims are being targeted is a question mark for any living conscience.

It is no longer hidden that incidents of discrimination against Muslims, violence, innocent killings, denial of justice, and humiliation of dignity are continuously