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This is a very frustrating situation, and one many of my clients are experiencing at this time. I have also been in a similar situation myself. It is part of the human condition that life changes and flows like a river and we, as humans, must flow with that river on the path Allah has chosen for us. However, as it often takes us time to adapt to each new situation, it is a challenge for us to continue adapting over and over even though that is what life requires of us.
Sometimes it may seem like you "just" got settled into one job and were feeling happy and secure and the something happened to change that. Or you "just" felt like life was peaceful for a few days and then the car breaks or someone becomes ill.
In such circumstances it can often help your spiritual development to see it as a "test" from Allah as you indicated. However, the test is often not the difficulty itself, but more often a test of your ability to submit to the will of Allah and "go with the flow" that life brings.
On one side you could see that:
- "Sigh...Allah is testing me with this difficulty and I must suffer to learn a lesson or prove I am worthy"
On the other hand you could that:
- "Ah!Allah has other wonderful plans for me. A window has closed but a door has opened somewhere else. I trust in Allah's plans and I am going to find that open door."
You can start by asking yourself:
- "What do you need to get done during this time without work?
- "Have you been so busy that your family needed more time with you?
- "Do you need to spend some more time connecting with your family?
- "Were you unhappy in your old job or not feeling spiritually satisfied with it (as your last question indicated) and you need to seek out a job that is more suitable?"
" Do you need some time to think about what job is right for you before you venture into the job market again? "
"You could ask yourself so many questions."
However, much energy and positive thought can come from seeking the best outcome instead of assuming the worst. When we trust that Allah always wants the best for us then we can remain positive and open to the new opportunities that come our way.
If you are seeking a du`aa' for this time I would recommend a du`aa' that asks Allah for guidance in where the "open door" is. Ask to be shown what the wisdom of this time in your life is.
I have counseled many people that started out very confused, frustrated and upset about this transition time in their life. However, when they looked at in in a more positive, trusting light they discovered wonderful things about themselves and were thankful, later, for the opportunity they had received.
I hope this is helpful.
From Counselor `Abdul-Lateef `Abdullah
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In the name of Allah the Most Gracious
the Most Merciful.
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In the name of Allah the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May He bestow His peace and blessings on His messenger, Muhammad, his family, Companions, and all of those who follow them sincerely.
As salamu `alaykum…
Dear brother, thank you for your important question. Let me first say that of course you are certainly NOT a loser! You are a hardworking professional who – like many people in this world right now – are victims of this global economic slowdown we are all in. The fact that banks are not hiring has nothing to do with you, I’m sure, as banks everywhere are facing tremendous losses and laying-off workers. It is not a good time to be a banker – that’s for sure! Look at the condition of the banks in the U.S. and Europe. Many have failed completely. I’m sure this is affecting Pakistan and its banking sector as well. I think it is very important that you don’t over-react in such a situation and assume that it has to do with you alone. Look around you at what is happening in the world and try to see the bigger picture related to your field and industry. Then perhaps you will not feel so bad.
On the other hand, your question is very good and for many reasons. You feel that your du`aa' is not being accepted by Allah. After the five fardhu (obligatory) prayers, the best time of the day for prayer is nighttime. This has been confirmed by so many Hadith. In addition, there are many other opportune times for making du`aa'. The important thing is that we make sure that everything else we are doing in our lives is right with Allah, so that our du`aa'will have the chance to be accepted. If we are doing things that are against Allah’s will, then asking for something, chances are we may not get it as we are not fulfilling the basic requirements for that prayer to be accepted. Thus, it is a good opportunity for us to check in, and look at ourselves and our relationship with Allah.
If we are truly sincere, then our entire life, and all of its dealings should be aligned with the will and command of the Creator. If not, then something’s not right, and we cannot expect our prayers to be answered for we are not doing our part.
As for your question about banking, this is a good example of whether what we are engaging in is acceptable to Allah, and worthy of His help. Are you directly involved in transactions dealing with usury? If so, perhaps you may want to consider a different line of work, or at least a different job within that industry. I am not qualified to tell you what is halal and haram regarding banking itself, but it is something you may want to explore with a qualified scholar who can go through all the fiqh (jurisprudent) issues around banking and usury. It is an important consideration that you should look into.
For your information and assistance, the following is an exhaustive list of the best times and circumstances for making du`aa':
Life is all about belief in the unseen, the unseen that is more powerful than all the riches of this world. “Oh Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful, grant me a peaceful life in this world and the other.” A du`aa' - the only means of pleading with our Lord. Du`aa' or supplication brings us closer to Allah, helps us remember Him and proves our faith in Him. It is important to ask through du`aa' at all times of need in our life. There are certain times when du`aa' is more likely to be accepted by Allah (SWT) as mentioned by the Prophet (PBUH). These times are as follows:
1. The Last Third Of The Night
"Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: ‘In the last third of every night our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) (Allah (SWT)) descends to the lowermost heaven and says: “Who is calling Me, so that I may answer him? Who is asking Me so that may I grant him? Who is seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him?” (Al-Bukhari, Hadith Qudsi)
2. Late at Night
When people are sleeping and busy with worldly pleasures Allah (SWT) gives the believers an opportunity, or an answer hour if they can fight sleep and invoke Allah (SWT) for whatever they need.
"Prophet Muhammad (SWT) said: ‘There is at night an hour, no Muslim happens to be asking Allah any matter of this world or the Hereafter, except that he will be given it, and this (occurs) every night.’ (Muslim #757)
3. Between Adhan and Iqamah
Anas (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: ‘A supplication made between the Adhan and Iqama is not rejected.’ [Ahmad, abu Dawud #521, at-Tirmidhi #212, Sahih al-Jami #3408, an-Nasai and Ibn Hibban graded it is sahih (sound))
4. An Hour on Friday
Narrated Abu Hurairah (RA): Allah’s Messenger (SAW) talked about Friday and said:
‘There is an hour on Friday, and if a Muslim gets it while offering salat (prayer) and asks something from Allah (SWT), then Allah (SWT) will definitely meet his demand.’ And he the Prophet (SAW) pointed out shortness of that particular time with his hands.(Al-Bukhari)
Some have said that this hour is from the time the Imam (prayer’s leader) enters the mosque on Friday’s prayer until the prayer is over (i.e. between the two khutbahs-sermons), whereas others have said that it is the last hour of the day (i.e. after the `Asr prayer until the Maghrib prayer).
5. While Drinking Zamzam Water
Jaber (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: ‘Zamzam water is for what it is drunk for.’ (Ahmad 3: 357 and Ibn Majah #3062)
This means that when you drink Zamzam water you may ask Allah (SWT) for anything you like to gain or benefit from this water such as healing from illness.... etc.
6. While Prostrating
"Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW said:
‘The nearest a slave can be to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so invoke (supplicate) Allah (SWT) much in it". (Muslim, abu Dawud, an-Nasa’i, Sahih al-Jami #1175)
When a Muslim is in his salat (prayer) he is facing Allah (SWT) and when he prostrates he is the nearest he can be to Allah (SWT) so it is best to invoke Allah (SWT) at this time. It is said that while in prostration, one should not ask for worldly needs (i.e. a nice car, a new job, etc), but for the Hereafter.
7. When Waking Up at Night
Narrated `Ubada Bin As-Samit that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: ‘Whoever wakes up at night and says La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la shrika lahu lahulmulku, wa lahul hamdu, wa huwa ala kulli shai’in qadir. Alhamdu lillahi, wa subhanallahi wa la ilaha illallahu, wallah akbir, wa la hawla wala quwata illa billah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (SWT) He is the only one who has no partners. His is the kingdom and all the praises are for Allah (SWT) All the glories are for Allah (SWT) And none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (SWT) and Allah (SWT) is the most Great and there is neither might nor power except with Allah (SWT) and then says, Allahumma ighfir li (O Allah! Forgive me) or invokes Allah (SWT), he will be responded to and if he makes ablution and performs salat (prayer), his salat (prayer) will be accepted. (Al-Bukhari)
8 The Night Of ‘Qadr’ (Decree)
{This night is the greatest night of the year. This is the night which the almighty Allah (SWT) said about it, “The night of Al-Qadar (Decree) is better than a thousand months.} (Al-Qadr, 97: 3)
The Night of Decree is one of the odd nights of the last ten nights of the blessed month of Ramadan. The angels descend down to the earth, and the earth is overwhelmed with peace and serenity until the break of dawn and when the doors of Paradise are opened, the worshipper is encouraged to turn to Allah to ask for his needs for this world and the Hereafter.
10. During The Rain
Narrated Sahel Ibn Sa’ad (RA): that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: ‘Two will not be rejected, Supplication when the Adhan (call of prayer) is being called, and at the time of the rain’. (Al-Hakim 2: 114, and Abu Dawud #2540, ibn Majah)
The time of the rain is a time of mercy from Allah (SWT) so, one should take advantage of this time when Allah (SWT) is having mercy on His slaves.
11. At the Adhan
‘Seek the response to your du`aa's when the armies meet, and the prayer is called, and when rain falls’ (Reported by Imam al-Shafi’ in al-Umm, al-Sahihah #1469)
12. The One Who Is Suffering Injustice and Oppression
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said to Mua'ad Ibn Jabal (RA ), 'Beware of the supplication of the unjustly treated, because there is no shelter or veil between it (the supplication of the one who is suffering injustice) and Allah (SWT)' (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
13. Du`aa' after praising Allah and giving salat on the Prophet (SAW) in the Tashahhud at the end of salat.
"Narrated Faddalah ibn Ubayd (RA ): that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: 'When anyone of you makes du'a, let him start by glorifying his Lord and praising Him, then let him send blessings upon the Prophet (SAW), then let him pray for whatever he wants" (Abu Dawud #1481, at-Tirmidhi #3477)
14. Du`aa' of a son or daughter obedient to his or her parents
It is well known in the story narrated in the ahadith of three men who were trapped by a huge stone in a cave. One of them who were kind to kids and parents asked Allah to remove the stone, and his du`aa' was answered. (Al-Bukhari 3:36 #472).
15. Du`aa' immediately after w`udu
`Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) reported that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: 'There is not one of you that makes w`udu, and does it perfectly, then says: I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. He is Alone, having no partners. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger', except that the eight gates of Paradise are opened for him, and he can enter into it through whichever one He pleases' (Muslim #234, abu Dawud #162, Ahmad, an-Nasa'i)
16: While reciting Surah al-Fatihah
" Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said that Allah the Exalted had said: ' I have divided the prayer into two halves between me and my servant, and my servant will receive what he asks for. When the servant says: Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the universe, Allah the Most High says: My servant has praised Me. And when he (the servant) says: The Most Compassionate, the Merciful, and Allah the Most High says: My servant has lauded Me. When he (the servant) says: Master of the Day of Judgment, He remarks: My servant has glorified me, and sometimes He will say: My servant entrusted (his affairs) to Me. When he (the worshipper) says: Thee do we worship and of Thee do we ask help, He (Allah) says: This is between me and my servant, and my servant will receive what he asks for. Then, when he (the worshipper) says: Guide us to the straight path, the path of those to whom Thou hast been Gracious - not of those who have incurred Thy displeasure, nor of those who have gone astray, He (Allah) says: This is for My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for." (Muslim 4: 395).
17. Saying 'Ameen' during prayer…
"After reciting of Al-Fatihah, the saying of 'Ameen' in congregation, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: 'When the Imam says 'Ameen', then recite it behind him (as well), because whoever's Ameen coincides with the Ameen of the angels will have all of his sins forgiven." (al-Bukhari #780, Muslim #410)
18. While visiting the sick, and du`aa' made by the sick
'Umm Salamah narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said: 'When you visit the sick, or the dead then say good, because the angels say 'Ameen' to whatever you say" (Muslim #2126)
For further guidance, please try the following link(s):
Survival or Revival: You & the Economic Crisis Special Focus
Using Credit Cards
What is Riba?
Should We Take Interest Money or Leave It for the Bank?
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