Request:
For at least a decade I have consistently been trying to make headway in a career path within which I have 2 degrees but to no avail. It seems all my effort has been in vain. Now that I am getting older, and with family responsibilities I am currently doing a lowly paid job in which I am not happy due to the demands for meeting targets and constant pressure with very little money. I am starting to lose patience and fear falling into depression. Is there anyway of knowing what might be causing the obstacles I am facing? I sincerely seek your dua’s forgive me for any lack of adab.
Response:
a`udhu billah mina ‘sh-shaytani ‘r-rajeem
Bismillahi ‘r-Rahmani ‘r-Raheem:
As salaamu `alaikum wa Rahmatullah,
Your situation indeed sounds challenging and we empathize with you. However, consider what Allah says in Surah Ra`d:
Sahih International
{For each one are successive [angels] before and behind him who protect him by the decree of Allah . Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. And when Allah intends for a people ill, there is no repelling it. And there is not for them besides Him any patron.} ( Surat ar-Ra`d, 13:11)
{each (such person) there are (angels) in succession, before and behind him: They guard him by command of Allah. Allah does not change a people’s lot unless they change what is in their hearts. But when (once) Allah willeth a people’s punishment, there can be no turning it back, nor will they find, besides Him, any to protect.}( Surat ar-Ra`d, 13:11)
This is a reminder to look within one’s spiritual nature in relationship to Allah Almighty’s provision and protection through the Angelic world and His Divine Protection. The anxiety and depression is a sign to awaken to your spiritual potentials as a servant of Allah. When you improve spiritually and emotionally, your outlook and possibilities will improve with Allah’s Pleasure in your soul and hence your life. Also, remember those with less than you materially and look to those who are spiritually more advanced. Allah orders: {O you who believe, fear Allah and be with the Trustworthy} (Surat at-Tawba, 9:119)
Our Beloved Prophet (s) is the perfected example of doing without yet maintaining the highest spiritual health. May Allah improve your condition in this life and the next.
Wallahu `Alam,
Kamau Ayubbi
