Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states: “If one is a medical student specializing in an area of study greatly needed by the community, then certainly they are performing a fard kifayah (a collective duty). Such person’s primary Islamic duty, therefore, after having performed their mandatory religious duties, is to devote themself to achieving excellence in their chosen field of study. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Allah has enjoined excellence in all things (one does).” and “Allah loves you to do whatever you set out to do as professionally and efficiently as you can.” So, give undivided attention to studies.
While doing so, however, one should never fail to integrate their work with their spiritual mission in life. For as Muslims we should live to please Allah; a true believer is one whose feet are grounded firmly on the earth while his gaze extends far beyond the confines of the limited existence to the world beyond death. In other words, we look to akhirah (the afterlife) and meeting our Lord as our final destination and end of our journey. In order to ensure that one never lose their spiritual focus in life, they should devote a few minutes every day to doing things that would enhance the quality of iman (faith) and thus strengthen their connection with Allah.
As Imam Shah Waliullah has pointed out, since the Shari`ah is based on compassion, it takes into full account the diverse conditions and circumstances of people. Consequently, it does not require everyone to do the same set of rituals as everyone else except, of course, the obligatory duties, so long as they try to integrate a spiritual regimen with their daily activities.
Here is a list of things one can do on a regular basis in order to ensure that they are anchored spiritually:
1) Purify intention and begin every day’s work by counting Allah’s blessings and asking His forgiveness; and end the day’s work on a similar note.
2) Never be slack in performing your obligatory duties; set aside a definite time for performing them without fail. If, on occasions, because of an urgent call of duty you find yourself unable to pray each of the five daily prayers at its appointed time, then you may combine Zhuhr and `Asr by praying them together either at the time of Zhuhr or that of `Asr. Likewise, Maghrib and `Isha’ can be combined either at the time of Maghrib or of `Isha’. But never do so in ordinary situations or while comfortably sitting home.
3) Read at least a few verses (ten or even five) of the Qur’an every day.
4) Let dhikr (remembrance of Allah) be your constant companion; say words such as the following repeatedly:
Subhan Allah wa bi hamdihi; subhan Allah al-`Azheem (Glory be to Allah, and praise be to Him; glory be to Allah, the Supreme). Subhan Allah, a
l-hamdulillah, la ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, wa la hawla wala quwwata illa billah (Glory be to Allah; praise be to Allah, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Greatest; there is no power or strength except by Allah). Condition yourself to meditate on these words. By consistently practicing dhikr you will find your daily chores being transformed into smooth, fulfilling experiences.
5) Spend much of your driving time listening to beautiful recitations of the Qur’an as well as to inspiring or educational lectures.
6) Read at least one hadith from Imam Nawawi’s Riyadh as-Saliheen every day.
7) Try to be consistent in the things you do, for it is what we do consistently every day—rather than the quantity of our work—that helps shape our character.
8) Remember the important principle: If you cannot do something in its entirety, it does not mean you leave it all together; so try to do at least what you can at the given time and circumstance. Allah is All-Compassionate and All-Merciful; He will surely recognize our intention and efforts.
9) Although you find yourself busy with your work, if you manage your time wisely and efficiently, you will surely find time to integrate the above spiritual regimen into your life. By doing so, you will be leading a fulfilling and purposeful life.”