A little reminder: don’t lose hope 🌸🌸

Assalamu alaikum everyone. Just wanted to share a personal experience that recently reminded me of Allah’s greatness and mercy, in case it brings some hope to anyone reading this. Earlier this year, I applied to UK universities and was over the moon when I got accepted to my top choice. I also had an insurance option, but I barely looked into it-I was so sure I’d end up at my first choice that I didn’t even consider the backup seriously. The only catch was I needed a certain grade in one exam to get an unconditional offer. In May, I missed that grade by just half a point. I was devastated, honestly. It felt silly how upset I got, but I couldn’t eat or focus from the stress. I clung to Allah like never before, begging Him to help me through. Surah Ad-Duha really gave me comfort during that time. It’s so hard when something you were dead set on suddenly slips away. But I kept repeating to myself: if Allah opened this other path, there must be wisdom behind it. Maybe my insurance university would be better for me after all. So I threw myself into researching it, and weirdly enough, within days I started genuinely loving what I saw. I kept telling myself, “This is what was meant to happen,” and that eased the disappointment so much. I even emailed my first choice to say I couldn’t meet their offer and would go with my insurance. Then, five days later, the first university replied-they said they’d be flexible, accepted my grade, and changed my offer to unconditional! My brain just went blank... I had already convinced myself that my insurance was where I belonged, and I was excited about it. I didn’t even know what to want anymore! But I felt so grateful too. When I told my best friend, she said something that stuck: “Allah tested you. He knew how badly you wanted that university, and He wanted to see if you’d despair and rebel or accept it with tawakkul and keep going. You passed the test, and then He gave you what you wanted.” I’d always read stories like this, but living it hits differently. I’m not even sure I explained it well, but the lesson is: trust Allah completely. What’s meant for you will be best for you. Now I try to tie everything back to Him, and I know that if something I really want doesn’t work out, I won’t crumble anymore. I hope my little story (even if it sounds a bit childish) gives you hope and reminds you to hold onto Allah through it all, without ever doubting His plan. May Allah ease all your affairs and grant you the best in this world and the next. Ameen.