Walk Alone: A Counsel to the Students of Al-Salam Institute
You are among those fortunate to study in the light of sacred knowledge. The verses of the Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him) surround you, shaping your thoughts and aspirations. You’ve been given a rare opportunity, and with that comes a responsibility. I want to offer you one simple but important piece of advice: learn to walk alone.
Walking alone means being able to stand for the truth, even when no one else does. It’s a kind of inner strength and independence. This doesn’t mean cutting yourself off from others or avoiding companionship and consultation. Islam values community, love, and advice. But when the world pulls you toward what’s wrong, or when false ideas try to dim the light of truth in your heart, you must be able to stand firm, even if you’re the only one.
In such moments, no one may step forward to support you. You may not be praised. You might even be criticised. But your conscience will still be with you, and your Lord will not leave you. The sense of right and wrong in your heart will guide you forward.
Throughout history, the most meaningful change has come from individuals who stood up when no one else did. Take the example of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). He challenged the wrong beliefs of his society and stood for the truth on his own. The Qur’an honours him by calling him an iman. That’s the kind of strength and clarity we should aim for.
Real thinking begins when you protect your ability to reason clearly. Don’t accept ideas just because they are old or popular. Look, reflect, and question with sincerity. This is not a time for blind following; it’s a time for study, reflection, and understanding. The Qur’an encourages you to think deeply and use your mind. That is how true belief grows.
But once you understand the truth, the next challenge is acting on it. This is often the hardest part. Knowing what’s right doesn’t mean people will support you when you try to live by it. At that point, your internal conviction will need to guide your steps. Can you speak the truth when it’s unpopular? Can you act on your beliefs when others turn away?
True honesty and character are not dependent on praise. Truth stays the same whether you’re alone or in a crowd. A sincere person remains consistent even when no one is watching. The point of studying is not to memorise or repeat information; it’s to live by what you know and stand up for what’s right.
Knowledge gives you light, but that light also shows the risks and difficulties on the path. Can you carry that light and accept the responsibility that comes with it? This path isn’t easy; it’s the path of the prophets. It involves sacrifice, but it also leads to something greater.
If you don’t act on your knowledge, it will weigh you down. But if you live by it, it will give you strength to face whatever comes. People may criticise you. You may be misunderstood. But the path to Allah is often one you have to walk on your own.
In the quiet of the night, when you pray and speak to your Lord, He gives you a peace that the world cannot offer. That private moment becomes a source of strength, and your solitude becomes closeness to Him.
So, dear student of knowledge: learn to walk alone, not with pride or arrogance, but with humility, sincerity, and trust in Allah. When all paths seem closed and no one is left to support you, those who have learned how to stand alone are the ones who reach their destination.
