Is My Suspension from University Part of Allah’s Plan?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
I am 19, and I got suspended from University because of bad grades. I’m troubled, and I don’t know what to do anymore. I used to be an A student, but I’ve been failing for the past three semesters no matter how hard I studied and made du’a which led to me being suspended from school.
Everything started to decline after a heartbreak from what turned out to be a haram relationship. But I repented to Allah Most High, and since then, my relationship with Allah has significantly improved alhamdulillah. I know I have to trust Allah’s plan, but what if Allah tries to tell me that this degree is not suitable for me?
How am I supposed to know whether Allah has another plan for me or if I messed up on the one he intended for me?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
You had a blip because of what you mentioned. However, continue with renewed intentions and a fresh mind from now. Your repentance and realization have kickstarted your life again.
Life is a journey; you start studying from a young age, childhood into youth, and maybe beyond. So obviously, there will be ups and downs, challenges, and opportunities. The experiences that come along the way will shape and form our lives, and you have set yourself in the right direction. Just continue persevering, focus on what to do as a young Muslim, and believe in Allah Most High.
I am as My Servant Thinks I am
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Allah Most High said, ‘I am as My servant thinks I am. I am with him when he mentions Me. If he mentions Me to himself, I mention him to Myself; if he mentions Me in an assembly, I mention him in an assembly greater than it. If he draws near to Me a hand’s length, I draw near to him an arm’s length. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed.’” [Bukhari]
Ibn Hajar (Allah have Mercy upon him) gives the commentary of the bold saying is, I am able to do whatever he expects I will do.” [Ibn Hajr, Fath al-Bari]
Way Forward
Ibn Ata’illah (Allah have mercy on him) said, No search pursued with the help of your Lord remains at a standstill, but any search pursued by yourself will not be fruitful. From now on, perform the prayer of Need and Istikhara to fulfill your needs and aspirations, seek guidance, and connect yourself to the local masjid, reliable local scholars, and circles of knowledge and remembrance. You will be guided and directed in sha Allah.
Check the links:
How Do I Calm My Worries? – SeekersGuidance
(1) Contentment with Where Allah Has Placed You – Shaykh Faraz Rabbani – YouTube
Istikhara: The Prayer of Seeking Guidance – SeekersGuidanceIstikhara: The Prayer of Seeking Guidance – SeekersGuidance
Provision and Work: A Reader – SeekersGuidance
The Path of Muhammad: Birgivi’s Manual of Taqwa Explained – YouTube
Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on
SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org)
I pray this helps in your question.
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied within UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan and Turkey.
He started his early education in UK. He went onto complete hifz of Qur’an in India, then enrolled into an Islamic seminary in UK where he studied the secular and Alimiyyah sciences. He then travelled to Karachi, Pakistan.
He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for a number of years. He has taught hifz of the Qur’an, Tajwid, Fiqh and many other Islamic sciences to both children and adults onsite and online extensively in UK and Ireland. He was teaching at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences.
He currently resides in UK with his wife. His personal interest is love of books and gardening.
