What Is the Role of an Only Child without a Father in Islam?

Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question

I’m alone, I’m always unlucky in my life, but the girls around me are lucky, married, and happy. Is it my fault that I was an orphan without a father? Until now, at 27 years old, nobody wanted to be friends with me, and nobody likes me. The suitors are coming and going, and even Allah hates me; what is the role of an only child without a father in Islam? Is there no solution?

Answer

Thank you for your question. I am sorry for your frustration and pain, and I empathize with your hurt, but you should pick yourself up, be proactive, and do what you can to help yourself instead of feeling and acting like a victim.

Your Role

Allah Most High has told us in the Quran: “I have not created Jinns and Humans except to Worship Me.” [Quran 51:56]

Allah Most High says, “(He is the One) Who created death and life in order to test which of you is best in deeds. And He is the Almighty, All-Forgiving.” [Quran; 67:2]

He also says, “Then We made you their successors in the land to see how you would act.” [Quran; 35:39]

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Verily the world is seductive and green. And indeed Allah put you in it to see how you would act.” [Muslim]

This is your role, as it is the role of every human being that Allah has created. Fill the void in your heart with the love of Allah and obedience to Him, as nothing else can or will ever fill that void. In Paradise, in sha’ Allah, all voids will be filled, all pain removed, and all those who enter will be purified; I pray that you and I are among them.

Please see these links for much more detail:

• The Purpose of Existence – Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
• What is Our Purpose in This World?
• How do I find purpose in Life? 11-part class with Shaykh Walead Mosaad
• Never an Empty Shell: The Purpose of Guidance

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin and completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.