I am unsure about the academic path I am on. I truly whole heartedly believe that I am where I was always meant to be. I believe I’m in this path because Allah knows that it is best for me. Yet, I have thoughts about “what if?” I chose one subject over another because the second one has more “career opportunities”, but a part of me tells me (and even one of my friends) that perhaps I would’ve flourished in subject A if I was majoring in it, because my degree right now makes me miserable. It has maths and I’m not good with maths, even though I won’t major in a math related field, it is still going to have an effect on my overall cgpa. The guilt of my parents spending so much money after me eats me alive and on top of that if I can’t even hold a decent cgpa where do I go from there? I know Allah has it all planned and that I’m meant to be here but I can’t help but feel guilty and unworthy of the position I am in and the privilege I have. Because what if it’s nothing but a complete waste? What if I become nothing but a complete failure? I console myself saying that Allah knows best (which indeed he does) and that he knows I can manage this hence I’m here. But what if my choices brought me here when Allah actually gave me signs to not to choose what I chose? I know it’s such a trivial thing when so many worse things are happening and perhaps I’m worrying about a future where I don’t even exist, but it just makes me loathe myself
Unsure about the path I’m on. What if I’m where I am because of my choices and not where Allah wants me to be at?
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It’s natural to feel unsure about your path in life, especially when you’re striving to align your choices with what pleases Allah. Remember that Allah’s mercy and guidance are always available, no matter where you are right now.
Here’s how you can reflect on your situation:
1. Sincere Intention (Niyyah): If your intention is to seek Allah’s pleasure and do what’s right, you are already on the right track. The Prophet ﷺ said:
> “Actions are judged by intentions…” (Bukhari & Muslim)
2. Tawakkul (Trust in Allah): Sometimes, even if your current path seems unclear, Allah may be guiding you through a journey you don’t yet understand. Trust that Allah’s wisdom is greater than what you can perceive.
3. Self-Reflection and Istikhara: Reflect deeply on your choices. Performing Salat al-Istikhara (the prayer for guidance) can bring clarity and peace of mind.
4. Seek Knowledge: Align your decisions with the teachings of Islam. Gaining knowledge will help you distinguish between what’s right and what’s harmful.
5. Consult Righteous People: Seeking advice from knowledgeable and sincere individuals can provide valuable insights.
6. Repentance and Renewal: If you feel you’ve made wrong choices, turn back to Allah with sincere repentance. Allah says:
> “Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.” (Quran 2:222)
7. Patience and Perseverance: Life’s journey often includes challenges and setbacks. Remain patient and keep striving to improve.
Ultimately, if your heart is connected to Allah, seeking His guidance, and striving to do what’s right, trust that you are exactly where you need to be at this moment — learning, growing, and moving closer to Him. Allah never leaves a sincere seeker astray.
> “…And whoever fears Allah — He will make for him a way out, and will provide for him from where he does not expect…” (Quran 65:2-3)
Keep your heart open to guidance, and trust that Al
lah’s plan is always better than our own.
Doubts, worries, and fears can be heavy—take them to Allah. Make space for what Allah has for you by unburdening yourself of all that keeps you in a place of despair. Trusting in Allah is a skill that you strengthen through practice, so when those doubts and worries rear their ugly heads, take that as an opportunity to spend time with Allah—pray, make dua, read the Quran. What you’re experiencing makes perfect sense with the state of the world; however, remember that those feelings are there to remind you of the true ruler of the Heavens and the Earth.