Life is a journey (another attempt to boost my own morale!)

It is really. We start our lives wailing and inhaling fresh oxygen into our lungs, and end it just with a release of breathe. Does it matter how old you are, how much wealth you have, how much you earn, what car you drive, what you wear or what you own?

Zilch. Nada. Nil. Zero.

Into the graves, you only bring with you the amount of good deeds you have carried out, the Imaan in yourself and the integrity you have gained. 19 years? 36 years? 38 years? 72 years? Logically, you would think that the longer you live, the longer time you'd get to perform more 'ibadah so that your days in the hereafter (which will be eternity), will be a wonderful one in heaven. Sometimes, we're lucky enough, sometimes we aren't.

In the journey, we are tempted with worldly matters: material wealth, position, human companion, and entertainment. We are often never satisfied with the little that we have, and aim for something better. An upgrade of living standards, perhaps.

It is in this journey that we are tested with various forms of trials; be it our children or other family members, our profession, or our daily innuendoes - some of which are humongous while some others relatively trivial. Nonetheless, they are ALL trials. Matters pertaining to our judgements, Imaan, patience, and wisdom are all put to test.

Comparatively speaking, for those embarking on a PhD, that too is a journey in itself. A handful complete it in less than 3 years, while many manage to get it done within the 36 months. Most, however, require an additional 6 months, 1 year, or more - to finally hand in the final draft, sit for the viva and be awarded, Doctor of Philosophy.

The question is, what is the target for one who is taking a PhD? The title "Dr"? A piece of paper? A bigger paycheque? A thesis you almost considered your life and baby? There are people who sacrifice almost everything in order to obtain a PhD; some get a divorce half-way through, some take on contraceptives to ensure there are no 'accidents' that may get in the way, while some others take on the challenge of being in isolation either for the whole period or for parts of the period in order to 'concentrate' and focus on the work. Is it all worth it?

Like life, PhD is a journey which one should travel with the people one loves. The ups and downs that come during the journey should be perservered and gone through along with family members or loved ones. The bitterness, or the tastelessness of life throughout the journey are elements that should make the candidate a better person: physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. This is also when our Imaan is put to test. Do we succumb to the trials, drowning in sorrow and frustration? Do we get up and bounce back to fight with more determination?

My aim is to get a PhD, but not because I want the title 'Dr' before my name. It is only because I have a hunger for achievement and knowledge, and some targets were set from earlier on in my life; to be good in whatever I chose to be. It surely does not mean that if I didn't get a PhD, I am not good enough, but it's just some target I had set myself to achieve. In the field of education, I aspire to do my part for the ummah, and this has actually been my aim since my school days. I believe that with some expertise, I will be able to improve some educational aspects, especially back home.

In fact, even if I ever get a doctorate, please don't call me 'Dr'. Some say it's worth all the hard work. Others say there's nothing wrong with a little bit of respect. By all means, this is my very own personal decision and all PhD holders out there, please stick to your titles!! i have nothing against them at all. However, I think it's just like performing the Hajj - does one HAVE to carry the title 'Haj' or 'Hajjah' as a prefix? Wallahu'alam... To each their own opinion, and I stick to mine.

There are times when I feel that there are too many obstacles set on my journey of life. There are moments that I feel the drive is smooth-sailing, without traffic jams along the highway. However, at certain locations or time, the lights along the highway seem to be faulty or dimmed. It gets dark but some kind Samaritan will either tow me away or lead me with their super-neon lights to where vision is clearer. I may take a little longer to reach my destination, or I might even zoom a little where there are no speed traps. But InsyaAllah, mark my word: once a survivor, always a survivor!

Life is indeed a journey - a process, and not an end-product.