Not what I asked for

As salaam alaikum Reader,

I pray you are well. I want to talk to you about the 'unanswered dua'... or rather, when you are specific about your intentions or desires and you don't get what you want.

The sleepers in the cave (chapter 18) had a simple desire when they woke up from what they thought was a long nap of a day, or part of a day. Their one desire was for pure food and to not call any attention to themselves.

Chapter 18, verses 19-20 read (in English) as follows...

And so We awakened them so that they might question one another. One of them exclaimed, “How long have you remained ˹asleep˺?” Some replied, “Perhaps a day, or part of a day.” They said ˹to one another˺, “Your Lord knows best how long you have remained. So send one of you with these silver coins of yours to the city, and let him find which food is the purest, and then bring you provisions from it. Let him be ˹exceptionally˺ cautious, and do not let him give you away.

For, indeed, if they find out about you, they will stone you ˹to death˺, or force you back into their faith, and then you will never succeed.”

All they wanted was some pure food after a longer than normal rest, and to not be found out. In their minds and hearts there were only two possibilities if they were found out, 1-they would be stoned to death or 2-they would be forced back into a false religion and never attain true success.

But as it would happen, Allah had a different plan. Those were not the only two options, although it was completely reasonable and rational to think only one of thse two things would happen.

Allah gave them exactly the opposite of what they were seeking in that moment, and in so doing He gave them more than they could ever have asked for, and answered their hearts true desire.

That is how We caused them to be discovered so that their people might know that Allah’s promise ˹of resurrection˺ is true and that there is no doubt about the Hour.1 When the people disputed with each other about the case of the youth ˹after their death˺,2 some proposed, “Build a structure around them. Their Lord knows best about them.” Those who prevailed in the matter said, “We will surely build a place of worship over them.” (18:21)

You might have a good plan for your life, even a great one. But what if Allah has something magnificent planned for you? What if your life can be in service to Him, and a testimony to His reality, and a means of reminding people of their true calling and the reality that awaits them?

The answer to our dua is always 'Yes'.

Yes-you can have exactly what you want when you want it

Yes-you can have exactly what you say you want, later

Yes- you can have even better than what you are asking for.

Alhamdulillah for all things.

Wa salaam alaikum

PS-the Muhsinah Himma Circle is opening again in December insha'Allah. This is a year long spiritual mastermind for the woman working on becoming more present in her life and appreciative of fellow sisters on the path holding space for her , while she does so in return. Our theme this year is based on the hadith "إنَّ اللهَ يُحبُّ العَبدَ التقيَّ الغنيَّ الخفيَّ" [Allah loves the servant who is pios, free of wants, inconspicous}. The membership committment is $2400 for the year. If you are interested you can reply to this email for information on how to join. To find out more information please visit this link.

PPS-Hamd & Shukr planners are on sale at plan-barakah.com and for the first time I am holding a Planning for Presence Workshop on November 27 @ 8am EST. You can register to attend the workshop free here. You can also recieve a planner and lifetime access to the recording alongside your registration here (please visit this link after registering here)

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Not what I asked for

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Salaam...it's been a long time !

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