Prepare: ‘The strong believer is better and is more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, although both are good. Strive to attain that which will benefit you and seek the help of Allah, and do not feel helpless.’ (Muslim, 2664)
Begin in the Name of Allah: Take the name of Allah before you start, for mentioning the name of Allah is prescribed when beginning any permissible action; this brings blessing, and seeking the help of Allah is one of the means of strength.
Remember Allah: Remembering Allah (zikr) dispels anxiety and tension.
Take Time: Take your time to answer, for the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said: ‘Deliberation is from Allah and haste is from the devil.’ (Saheeh al-Jaami, 3011)
Wrong Answer: If after the exam you find you’ve answered some questions incorrectly, then take that as a lesson to be better prepared in future. It’s not the end of the world. Accept the will and decree of Allah and do not fall prey to frustration and despair. The Hadith tells us: ‘If anything befalls you, do not say, ‘If only I had done such and such.’ Rather say, (it is) the decree of Allah and what He wills happened,’ for saying ‘if only’ opens the door for the devil.’ (Muslim)
Don’t Cheat: The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said, ‘Whoever cheats is not one of us.’
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
