5 Ways to Find Strength in the Waiting Period

Assalaamu'alaykum,

I’m sure many of us have been in situations where we’ve yearned for a particular outcome, only to see it delayed or not unfold as expected. 

Recently, I’ve been grappling with something for which I’ve been making duaa for quite some time, yet I’m still waiting to see it come to fruition. 

But deep down, I know with full conviction that Allah is already responding - His superior plan is in motion, even if I can’t see it yet. 

And I trust that what I receive will be what’s best for me, when it’s best for me, as decided by Al-Alim (The All-Knowing) and Al-Hakeem (The All-Wise).

That said, as humans, waiting for Allah’s response is rarely easy – if it were, where would the test be? 

The daily grind, the frustrations and even the temptation to lose hope are all part of our test in this dunya - realities we must face and battle with.

It’s during these moments of waiting that shaytan seizes the opportunity to creep in, whispering doubts and negative thoughts: “It’s never going to happen,” “Maybe I don’t deserve it,” or “I must be doing something wrong, and that’s why Allah is withholding this from me.”

These thoughts are not only untrue but are direct attempts to weaken our trust in Allah.

Shaytan’s goal is to disturb our relationship with our Creator. 

When we give in to these thoughts, we start limiting our expectations of Allah, we forget His boundless mercy and worst of all, we lose faith in the power of our duaas. May Allah protect us from ever reaching this state.

Over the past few months, I’ve been reflecting on these impulsive reactions during what I call the “waiting period” for duaas to be answered. I’ve observed these within myself and during conversations with my clients. 

Here are five ways that I’ve found helpful in strengthening our conviction and trust in Allah during such times:

1. Release control of the outcome. Let go of the details - who, what, when, and how - and hand them over to Allah. Trust that with firmer conviction, Allah will provide an outcome far beyond your expectations, granting you results more spectacular than you could have imagined.

2. Reflect on your life’s blessings. Consider all the miracles Allah has already granted you. Think about your health, your sleep, your ability to nourish your body, shelter your family, clothe yourself - many people around the world are praying for what you currently have. Take a moment to sit in gratitude for both the seen and unseen blessings in your life and for all the doors you’ve already stepped through because Allah opened them for you

3. Make repeated istighfar. Regularly seek forgiveness by saying, “Astaghfirullah wa atubu ilaih.” (I seek forgiveness from Allah and repent to him). It is only through Allah’s mercy, that any goodness reaches us. 

4. Follow Allah’s formula for comfort. Allah says, "O believers! Seek comfort in patience and prayer. Allah is truly with those who are patient" [2:153]. Patience and prayer go hand in hand and when you focus on these two actions, they bring incomparable help - Allah will be with you. Imagine Him by your side every step of the way. When your heart truly connects with this reality, the worry begins to fade and inner peace settles within.

5. Every bit counts: Every effort, every single duaa uttered or even whispered in your heart is seen and heard by Allah, nothing is wasted. He loves to hear His believing servant call out to Him, over and over again. He never tires of Hearing the same duaa – so don’t stop, not even for a day – because you never know how much is being added to your hasanat (rewards) because of your unwavering trust and repeated efforts and you never know at what point He will respond to your words with “kun” – Be!

I hope these reflections bring peace to your heart, protect you from the whispers of shaytan and draw you closer to Allah. Remember, His love and mercy know no bounds, He never tires of hearing your voice and He ALWAYS responds to your call. 

P.S. Here's a few ways we can work together...

1. Join our Breaking Barriers Coaching Group. Together, we’ll deepen our trust in Allah, take inspired actions and witness with gratitude how incredible outcomes unfold. This a space for spiritual and personal growth, practical tools, meaningful suhba (companionship) and life transforming reminders (Available to sisters only).

2. If you're ready to shift your perspectives, discover your true self and align your efforts with your highest worldly and spiritual aspirations, click HERE to schedule a 1:1 discovery call with me. (Available to sisters only).

3. Register your interest for the next The Travellers Programme HERE and be the first to know when the next cohort launches. (Available to both brothers and sisters).

Reflection of the Week

Reflect on an unanswered duaa you've been praying for:
- Prioritise making istighfar regularly to invite Allah's mercy into every facet of your life.
- Revisit your intentions regarding what you desire and consider how this pursuit aligns with seeking Allah's pleasure.

Dua of the Week

أَسْتَغْفِرُ ٱللَّٰهَ رَبِّي وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ

 "I seek the forgiveness of God, my Lord, and turn to him (in repentance)"