Reframing The Delays In Your Life
Assalamualaikum lovely souls, hope this week is treating you well! In today’s blogpost we will share how you can reframe your mindset towards the delays you face in your life.
Is there anything that you are working on right now but the outcome is constantly being delayed. Are you praying with all your heart, but not getting what you are putting your blood, sweat, and tears (literally) into? Let’s be honest, it’s heartbreaking. This is the time when despair starts to seep into your heart.
Delays Are Not Denials
In times like these, it’s so important to constantly remind ourselves that God’s delays are not God’s denials. When the answers to our duas are being delayed, shaytan (the devil), takes this opportunity to put doubts in our heart and mind, making us feel like we can never make it. I have come to realise that just when you are about to give up and are feeling helpless, that’s exactly when you are so close to your destination. That’s the point where most people decide to turn back, when they could have gotten all that they worked so hard for.
“Call upon Me, and I will respond to you”
[The Quran, 60:40]
I have a strong belief that if Allah (SWT) is making you pray for something, He will give it to you. But at His perfect timing. Remember, He has guaranteed you a response in what He chooses for you, not in what you choose for yourself; and at the time He desires, not the time you desire.
Allah Knows What’s Good For You
It may be that you hate a thing though it is good for you, or love a thing though it is bad for you. Allah knows, but you know not.
[The Quran, 2:216]
It is important to note that sometimes what we are asking for may not be good for us. Listen to your gut feeling, if it's off, then maybe what you are praying for is not even good for you. That’s how He guides us, through our hearts. Ask Allah to guide you towards what is better for you and put peace in your heart regarding that matter.
Stop Controlling The Outcome
One of the biggest reasons behind our worries and anxiety is that we try to control the outcome. When frankly, it is not in our control. Accepting this truth, leads to contentment and a calmer state of mind.
A friend of mine said something so meaningful when I was sharing with her about a delay that I am facing. She said that sometimes we fail to understand that He plans. We take this so lightly. We end up planning the 10 years that are ahead of us, when we don’t even know what will happen in the next 10 minutes. That hit me.
I think I have mentioned this before, here and on our podcast, that I am working on my habit of over-planning. Don’t get me wrong, it is okay to plan, work hard and do what’s in your control, but let go of the need to control each and every aspect of the outcome.
Whenever I face a delay in my life and I have exhausted all possible means to get to that goal, I diligently read this dua,
حَسْبُنَا ٱللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ ٱلْوَكِيلُ
HASBUNALLAHU WA NI’MAL WAKEEL
“Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs.”
[The Quran, 3:173]
This dua allows us to put our full trust in Allah and we are able to leave all matters to Him. It allows us to understand that sometimes Allah has a better plan for us, one that might be completely different from what we made up in our heads. When you submit to Allah’s will, it’s like lifting a heavy load off your shoulders. It heals you spiritually.
You Are Loved
Never feel like Allah doesn't love you or have forgotten you just because your blessings are being delayed. Allah tests those who are the most beloved to Him, to mould them into their best possible version. It’s to bring them closer to Him.
Surah Ad-Duha, is a beautiful chapter in the Quran, that was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at a juncture when his state of mind was very disturbed, he used to feel negative and depressed and felt like Allah was displeased with him and have forgotten him as he had not recieved any revelation for 6 months. It is at this point that Allah revealed this Surah to relieve the Prophet (PBUH) of these negative feelings and reassured him that Allah is with him. We too can benefit so much from this Surah. I will share some of the healing words from this chapter:
By the morning sunlight,
And [by] the night when it covers with darkness,
Your Lord [O Prophet] has not abandoned you, nor has He become hateful [of you].
And the next life is certainly far better for you than this one.
And your Lord is sure going to give you so much that you will be satisfied.
So fret not, Allah will bless you beyond what you can even imagine. Trust that what He has in store for you is even better than your expectations. After all, He is the best of planners!
Till then, Allahafiz and take care.
With love,
Rabail and Umair Khan
