Allah's lessons come in the most perfect ways.

My exam results came today. I'd been making so much dua for this, especially in Ramadan, during Tahajjud, and in almost every salah. When I saw my grade, I was happy at first... but it was two marks short of what I had specifically asked for. For a moment, I felt that disappointment creep in. I even thought something I now regret-that because Allah didn't grant exactly what I asked, maybe a promise wasn't kept, and I shouldn't pray my salat al-shukr. Then, about an hour later, I went to my Islamic study circle. The lesson was on Surah Fussilat, discussing how we must never fall into ungratefulness or doubt towards Allah. SubhanAllah, it felt like a direct message to my heart. It struck me so deeply. I immediately understood my mistake. I prayed my gratitude salah, and alhamdulillah, that feeling of peace returned. Maybe those two marks weren't written for me because Allah, the Best of Planners, has something better in store. I have another exam coming up, and now my tawakkul in Him feels even stronger.