After spending almost two decades in university and professional life, I have come to realise something that has profoundly changed...
INTROSPECTION
After spending almost two decades in university and professional life, I have come to realise something that has profoundly changed the way I view destiny. People often say, “Whatever is written for you will happen.” And yes, as Muslims, we believe that our fate is written before our birth. Yet I have seen, experienced, and felt in my own heart that there is something which can alter the course of destiny, and that is dua and hard work - continuous hard work.
The Prophet (PBUH) said that nothing repels destiny except dua. I used to be confused, thinking that if it is only dua then what is the purpose of working day in and day out. But life has taught me its meaning. Dua is not just words whispered after prayer; it is a cry of the heart, a connection to Allah, a request that can turn what seemed impossible into possible through the mercy of the Almighty. Yet at the same time it requires hard work. The Qur’an says, “And that there is not for man except that good for which he strives.” (53:39) This verse often echoes in my mind.
The strength of dua, which is directly linked with the purity of the heart, can stir the mercy of the Divine. Alongside dua comes effort. There are no limits to hard work. Allah never said this much effort is enough and beyond this it will not count. He left it open, which means the more you work, the more you strive, the more you keep going, the more doors can open for you, and the strength of dua makes the journey easier.
But here is another reality check: hard work comes at a cost, and that cost is time, your very life. You may spend years or even decades sacrificing your youth, your energy, your comfort and your moments of rest for a dream you hold close, whether professional, emotional or otherwise. And you have to ask yourself, is it worth it? If it is, then give it everything. If it truly matters, let your time and other wishes be the price you pay.
I have seen in my own life that when I combined sleepless nights of work with heartfelt duas in the stillness of the night, things began to shift. Situations I once thought permanent started to change. Mountains I believed immovable began to move. That was when I realised destiny is not a locked cage; it is more like a script with spaces left blank, waiting for your effort and your dua to complete them.
This whole idea reminds me of a film called The Adjustment Bureau, in which the lead character must either follow his preordained path or defy fate and fight for his love and free will. It is a must watch for those who struggle with the concept of destiny. The characters are told that their paths are already written, yet through determination and love they carve a different way forward. Life is much the same. Allah knows everything, yes, but He has also given us the power of choice, the weapon of dua and the driving force of effort.
The balance I have learnt is simple but powerful: work as though everything depends on you and pray as though everything depends on Allah. Tie your camel, as the Prophet (PBUH) said, and then place your trust in Allah for the rest.
So today, as I write this to myself, I remind my heart: never stop working and never stop praying. Your destiny is not a dead end; it is alive and it can change. And if your dream truly matters, give it your sweat, your tears, your time, your all.
Because one day, when you finally reach it, you will look back and realise it was worth every second.
