We often live believing that our desires know best-that what makes us happy must be right for us. Yet, Allah in His Infinite Mercy and Wisdom tells us otherwise. There are times when what we long for could harm us, and what we fear or resist might hold unimaginable good.
Living in a time driven by personal desire, self-gratification and emotional impulse, the Quran, in its own inimitable way, offers a deeply humbling reminder: Neither everything we love is good for us nor everything we hate is bad for us.
Allah says: "...But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you and Allah knows, while you know not." (Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216))
This verse is not just a revelation; it's a philosophy for life. It humbles our perspective and anchors us in trust-because Allah knows, and we do not. How often have we coveted for something, yet it results in something disliked/harmful and how often have we dreaded something yet it turns out to be something beneficial! Desire Doesn't Equal Benefit
Humans are naturally drawn to things that appear attractive-be it wealth, status, relationships, or indulgences. However, what glitters on the outside may rot the soul from within. In this verse, Allah warns us that even the things we passionately love can be a source of harm: morally, spiritually, or even physically. This principle applies to all aspects of life: - A career that seems lucrative may pull us away from our prayers and values.
- A greed for wealth accumulation that might eventually weaken one's relationship with one's parents/siblings/in-laws.
- A relationship we chase might weaken our connection with Allah.
- A lifestyle we admire could foster arrogance, greed, or heedlessness.
The love for dunya (worldly life) can be intoxicating, blinding us to the unseen dangers it carries. But Allah sees what we cannot. Divine Detours: A Mercy in Disguise
Sometimes, Allah withholds something we deeply desire-not as a punishment, but as protection. That rejected opportunity, that unanswered dua, or that relationship that never happened may have been a shield against unseen harm. We may grieve temporarily, but with time and faith, we begin to see the mercy hidden in denial.
The Islamic history is replete with such instances where this philosophy manifested itself, so that it can act as a guiding principle for all people to come till the end of times.
- The Two Sons of Adam: A Desire That Destroyed
The very first human conflict emerged when one of the sons of Adam (Alayhis Salaam), Qabil, insisted on marrying his own twin sister, even though the Divine command forbade it. Marriage between siblings was only permissible in the way Allah decreed: one twin from each set was to marry the non-twin of the other. But this son's heart burned with desire, rejecting Allah's command and envying his brother who followed it. What followed was tragic: he murdered his brother Habil out of jealousy-becoming the first human to commit murder on earth. This story starkly illustrates the danger of following what we love, even when it clashes with divine wisdom. His desire-unfiltered by guidance-led to his downfall.
- Ibrahim & Ismail (Alayhimas Salaam): A Trial Etched in Time
No trial was more heart-wrenching than the command given to Prophet Ibrahim (Alayhis Salaam)-to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail (Alayhis Salaam). For any parent, this would be unbearable. Yet, both the noble father and the noble son submitted without hesitation, as the son said: "O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the patient." (Surah As-Saffat 37:102). As the knife approached, Allah intervened and replaced Ismail with a ram. This act of submission, though excruciating, became an universal symbol of faith. This became a ritual that is commemorated by millions every year during the days of Hajj and a legacy that earned Ibrahim the title "Khalilullah" - the Friend of Allah. What seemed like a moment of personal loss became a timeless legacy of devotion, only to be celebrated until the end of time.
- Yusuf (Alayhis Salaam): Imprisoned Before Being Honored
Falsely accused and thrown into prison, Prophet Yusuf (Alayhis Salaam) seemed to be far from any hope of justice. But in that prison, he met fellow inmates whose dreams he interpreted. His reputation reached the king. He was eventually released and elevated to a high position in Egypt, overseeing national resources during a time of crisis. Had he not been imprisoned, the path to honor may never have unfolded. What seemed like a setback was actually a step for his elevation in Allah's strategic divine wisdom.
- Madyan: A Quiet Act, A Life Transformed
After fleeing Egypt, Musa (Alayhis Salaam) arrived in Madyan, exhausted and alone. Uncertain about his own future, he selflessly helped two women water their flock, then turned to Allah with sincerity: "O My Lord, Truly I am in (desperate) need of any good that You would send (down upon) me!." (Surah Al-Qasas 28:24). That moment of humility led Musa (Alaihis salam) to: - A safe home.
- A meaningful job.
- And marriage to one of the women he helped, from the house of Prophet Shu'ayb (Alayhis Salaam)
- A decade of stability in the company of Shu'ayb (alaihis salam) after years of turmoil.
A simple, quiet deed became the turning point in his life. As he fled from Egypt fearing for his life, he had no plans but Allah had His Divine Wisdom. - Taaif: The Pain That Led to Progress
Our Prophet Muhammad (ď·ş) went to Taaif hoping for support after being rejected in Makkah. Instead, he was insulted, beaten, and driven out-his bloodied feet stood a silent testimony to that sorrow.But soon after: - Allah honored him with the Journey of Isra and Mi'raj, raising his status like never before.
- The message of Islam entered the world of Jinns whena group of Jinns embraced Islam after listening to the beauty of the Quran.
- The people of Madinah accepted Islam and laid the foundation of a flourishing Islamic state.
The failure of Taaif was not a rejection-it was a redirection to something far greater. In the divine wisdom of Allah, it was a detour to a better destination. - Treaty of Hudaibiyyah:
The Peace That Opened the Path to Victory When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions set out to perform Umrah, they were stopped by the Quraysh at Hudaibiyyah. What followed was a treaty that seemed to heavily favor the Makkan pagans: - Muslims had to turn back without performing Umrah.
- Any Makkan who fled to Madinah would be returned, but not vice versa.
- The Prophet had to agree to remove the words 'Messenger of Allah' from the text of the treaty.
Many companions, including Umar ibn Al-Khattab, were deeply troubled. To them, it looked like a humiliating compromise. But Allah knew what they did not. Shortly after the treaty: - Islam spread more rapidly in two years than it had in the previous nineteen.
- Many prominent Quraysh members embraced Islam.
- The Quraysh broke the treaty first-giving Muslims a just cause to march peacefully into Makkah, which soon led to its conquest without bloodshed.
What appeared as a setback was, in reality, a strategic divine victory. Delay is Not Denial-It's Divine Design
What connects these stories? - The son of Adam (alaihissalam) followed his desire and lost everything.
- The sacrifice of Ibrahim (alaihissalam)looked like separation, but it wrote a legacy for all of humanity.
- Prison looked like the end for Yusuf (alaihissalam), but it was the start of his rise.
- Madyan seemed like exile for Moosa (alaihissalam), but it brought companionship and purpose.
- Taaif looked like a dead end, but it led to Madinah.
- Treaty of Hudaibiyyah appeared lopsided, but it led to the victory of Makkah.
We often misjudge what is truly beneficial or harmful while Allah's knowledge and wisdom are not only perfect but also encompasses what we cannot see. His mercy hides behind moments we think are unfair. What is bitter now will turn sweeter later, if we trust in Allah's plans. Whenever Allah delays, He surely does not deny it. Trusting Allah's Plan, Even When It Hurts
You may be facing something now that you never wanted: a heartbreak, failure, a lost opportunity, loneliness, or a delayed dream. But perhaps-just perhaps-what you desire isn't good for you, and what you avoid is exactly what your soul needs. This is clearly brought out in the following statement of our Prophet ď·ş: "You will never leave something for the sake of Allah, except that He will replace it with something better." (Musnad Ahmad). This hadith shows us that letting go of what we love, when it displeases Allah, is not a loss-it is a divine trade for something better.
The One Who Sees What You Can't
This concluding part of the verse-"Allah knows, while you know not"-is not just comfort; it's clarity. It teaches us to shift our focus from wanting to trusting, from pursuing our desires to submitting to His Divine Wisdom. So the next time life doesn't go your way, remember:
- You don't have the full picture.
- The delay might be a disguise.
- And the pain you feel now may be writing your legacy.
- Place your heart in the Hands of the One who sees what you cannot.
It is from the beauty of Islam that it not only consists of mere rites and rituals but also teaches us life-lessons valid for all times and situations . Action points:
- Before making any important decision, make two rakahs of Isthikhara to seek Divine help for what is best.
- Help someone in need, even in a small way and follow it up with a heartfelt dua to ease your situation.
- Make a daily habit of saying Hasbunallahu wa ni'mal wakeel and trust Allah's timing.
- Always remember "Allah knows and you do not", entertaining only positive thoughts about Allah at all situations.
May Allah give us the strength to appreciate His Wisdom in whatever He has decreed for us. Ameen.
The Qur’an on Art, Architecture & Built Environment
