Now is the Time to Acquire Skills

Oh girls! I understand well that you will, in time, be fine, what you don’t know will be learned, and your flaws will become skills. The problems of the world will correct you. But what is the point in becoming correct when those who desired good for you [your parents] will be gone?

My desire is that you acquire those qualities and skills now, so they become a shield against the problems that will be faced in future. If you think that you know everything and can do everything when the occasion arises, then that’s wrong.

Even if you occasionally sewed your clothes, or did some embroidery, or cooked something, or made one buttonhole on a kurta, etc., or read the Qur’an and quickly went through a few kitaabs without even understanding the masaail of the kitaab and reason for compilation, what capability is this? If someone asks you something, then you will be left staring.

It is incumbent upon you to be able to do the work which you engage in with ease, no matter how difficult it is, and without needing anyone’s help. You should neither be needy of a maid, nor be dependent on your elders and men.

(Husn-e-Mu’aasharat)