Determination

“Heavens! Do you study all the time?” Waseem, the owner of the motor workshop, scolded Taha loudly. “Get up now. A car has arrived for repairs.”

“Alright, Ustad,” Taha replied politely. “I was just finishing one question.”

“Studying won’t get you anywhere. Work, earn money,” Waseem said dismissively, making a face.

“Ustad, you’ll see,” Taha replied in a firm and confident tone. “One day, after completing my education, I will come to you to get my own car repaired.”

“Ha ha ha… you and a car?” Waseem laughed mockingly. “Enough talking. Come quickly and get to work.”

When Taha’s father passed away, Taha was a student of eleventh grade. His father had been a laborer, and after his death, the family faced severe financial hardship. Hunger became a frequent visitor to their home. Taha’s mother was often ill and unable to work. Circumstances forced Taha to step out of the house and earn a living at a very young age.

After much difficulty, he managed to find work at a mechanic’s workshop. Every morning, he would go to work and return home exhausted in the evening. Despite his physical fatigue, his passion for education never faded. He enrolled himself in an open university, determined not to let poverty bury his dreams.

Taha carried his books with him to the workshop. Whenever he found a moment of free time, he would sit quietly and study. Other workers mocked him openly, passing sarcastic remarks and laughing at his determination. Some said studying was useless for someone like him, while others advised him to forget education and focus only on earning money. Taha listened silently and endured everything with patience. Deep in his heart, he had unwavering faith that Allah Almighty would surely reward his hard work and sincerity.

Time passed, and Taha continued to struggle with unwavering determination. His efforts bore fruit when he passed his intermediate examinations with excellent grades. Soon after, he secured admission to the largest university in the city. At this point, he left the workshop because he had started giving private tuition to students, which allowed him to support his household while continuing his education.

Years of dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance transformed Taha’s life. After completing his education, he was appointed as a manager in a reputable organization. His dreams, once laughed at, had become reality.

One day, while driving his own car through the city streets, Taha noticed a familiar signboard outside a workshop. It read: “Waseem Mechanic.” Memories from his past flooded his mind.

Stopping his car nearby, Taha called out loudly, “Brother! Please come here, my car has a puncture.”

An elderly man immediately came out of the workshop and replied respectfully, “Yes, sir!”

Taha looked closely and exclaimed in surprise, “Ustad! You?”

Waseem stared at him in disbelief. “Taha? You… in a car?”

“Yes, Ustad,”Taha replied calmly but proudly. “I told you one day I would study and become capable.”

He continued with confidence, “I am now working as a manager in a large organization.”

Waseem lowered his head in shame. “Yes, my son, you were right,” he said softly. “We were foolish to make fun of you and your dreams.”

At that moment, Waseem realized the power of determination and faith. Taha’s success was not merely the result of education, but of patience, perseverance, and an unshakeable belief in Allah’s justice. The same boy who was once mocked for studying among grease and tools had proven that sincere effort never goes unrewarded.

This story reminds us that determination, combined with hard work and faith, can overcome even the harshest circumstances. Those who remain steadfast on their path, regardless of ridicule and hardship, eventually rise above and succeed.

Indeed, Taha’s belief was true—Allah Almighty does reward sincere effort.