Question:
Lately I noticed that whenever I focus on dunya matters, like doing well at work or going for higher degrees, I get into dunya mode and the heart presence disappears. I no longer feel that wonderful feeling of nearness to Him. No matter what I do, it only comes back on its own time. It’s true we need to work hard in dunya and also engage in remembrance of Allah, but it seems so difficult to strike that delicate balance wherein we can be in dunya but not of dunya. Once I do dunya things, I get into dunya mode. Please offer some advice on how to do dunya related things without getting into dunya mode and losing the heart presence. Is this possible or is it a constant struggle all through life? Thank you.
Answer:
Scheduling time in your day to keep Allah’s remembrance will help bring you back into focus after the distractions of dunya. Also, keep your intentions to make Allah pleased with you even in your dunya work and insha-Allah it will be counted as worship for you, especially when you are giving zakat and sadaqa that is helping other people.
We may not always feel nearness to Allah, but we may always keep striving. To help us on our journey, Allah made his sincere servants beacons of light whom He encouraged us to keep company with. The more we keep with people who are engaged in remembering Allah, the more we ourselves will draw closer and closer.
{And keep youself patiently by the side of those who at morn and at evening invoke their Lord, seeking His countenance, and let not thine eyes pass over them seeking the beauties of this world’s life; …} (Surat al-Kahf, 18:28)
Dr. Karim Tourk
