Bismillah hirrahman nirrahim
(In the name of Allah the Most Compassionate and Most Merciful)
Zainul,
Peace be upon you.
Very soon you will be entering yet another new chapter of your life. You have been accepted to further your education to a higher level at the very same institution that I once studied. Only that I was in the main Shah Alam campus while you will be heading up north, Arau. What and where do not really matter, it is you that matters. Before you go, please allow me to say a few words as advice for your benefit and guidance, insya Allah.
First, you must know that Mama and I are very proud of you. No parents in this entire land we called earth do not feel proud of their children who are successful be it in academic, sports or whatever field they pursue. We trust you will continue to do well in your education so that as the eldest child, your success will spur your younger siblings to do well too in theirs. And not forgetting your first love, the rugby game.
Secondly, life in the institution of higher learning will be much different from the one you are now living. You shall have only yourself to take care of yourself. And of course some good, trustworthy and faithful friends. Unlike your schoolmates, your coursemates come from all over the places of our country with different states ethnic backgrounds. They speak in slang unfamiliar to you. Be a good friend to them and believe me, you will cheerish their company for the rest of your life.
Third, well this is difficult. Not because I do not know what and how to say it, rather I am not sure how to put it in words. Let me put it this way, you shall meet many new friends of your opposite sex, the girls. You may have the "kuch-kuch hota hai" feelings towards them. Or maybe the other way round. It comes naturally and part and parcel of the campus life. As someone who had gone through the process many years ago, I would advise you to be very careful and tactful in facing these situation. Study MUST always be your utmost priority and I want you to remember one principle - do not promise something you cannot fulfill. Pledge something you think you will be able to deliver. Do not go breaking their hearts and at the same time do not let any sweet girl break your heart.
Son, remember when you were still a boy, when you always misbehaved and I gave you the stick? Remember? I can read your mind saying, why is Abah doing this to me? Let me tell you now that my heart cried as loud as you cried. You must know that to hit you was like hitting myself! Afterall you are a chip from the old block. It took me a lot of courage to punish you and your younger siblings as it also meant I was punishing myself. On one occasion, Mama asked, "you have been too hard on the boy, have you not any mercy on him?"
Then I went to your room, you had already slept. The whacking that you received from me that evening must be very painful as it left red marks to your legs until midnight. My tears dropped. I regretted but at the same time, I have always believe that a man has to do what a man has to do. You may not understand now, it is ok. But one day, I know you will.
Next, please take good care of yourself. Study hard, play hard and most important of all, pray hard. You must learn how to balance yourself in whatever you do. Should you face any problem too difficult to solve, seek guidance from Allah SWT. And one more thing, call Mama as often as you can and make her happy. Your heaven lies beneath her two legs.
As usual, Mama and I will always be available even though we may be far apart from you. I shall pray for you to achieve success in your study and by all means, go for the highest level you can afford. You must beat my record as records are meant to be broken and set a standard of you own. I expect you to do well in your study but, if you fumble once or maybe twice, I think it should be acceptable but recover fast. Remember son, our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
I can go on and on advising you but it will all point to one thing and that is, we love you. Not a single moment did we stop loving you.
All the best.
Abah
(ITM Student No : 82558303)
