Will I Ever Get It Back?

 

Do you get back what you sacrifice in the way of Allah? I gave up something very dear to me because I did not want to go against Allah's will. It was a very tough decision. Is it right to hope that Allah will give that thing back to you in the future when the time is right? I'm lost. I do not know whether to keep hoping & praying for it or not. It seems so impossible now.
             -Lost

Assalamualaykoum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhoo, Lost… (…but hopefully gonna find a way out ^.^)

 Before I begin, Sis, I want to tell you something: from reading your letter, I already believe  you made the right choice :) I sincerely understand how you feel, and I know it was really tough. You gave up something really dear to you for a wonderful purpose... yet a part of you still hopes that maybe, just maybe, you can still get it back...

I'm not going to come right out and say that you should "keep hoping and praying". And I'm not going to tell you to "give up hope since you'll never get back what you gave up", either. That really isn't for me to decide :) 

But you can read on, and in the end, hopefully you'll figure out the answer by yourself ^_^

Remember, Sis, when you give up something you love so much for the sake of Allah (SWT), there is no way he won't replace what you gave up for something even better.  Something you couldn't possibly imagine. Something so wonderful it will make you tear up when you think about how generous Allah is, although we make LOADS of mistakes everyday.

  

 The Prophet (PBUH) said: "If anyone leaves something for the sake of Allah (SWT), Allah will grant him something better than it."

Remember the story of Prophet Yusuf (PBUH)? The Prophet who was faced with all the temptations of this world... yet he chose to not fall for those temptations. Which, of course, was not at all easy! He sought refuge in Allah (SWT), and his Lord protected him. He preffered to be in prison rather than commit a regrettable action that was against Allah (SWT)'s will. 

He was patient, and chose the rewards of his Lord. Therefore, Allah (SWT) gave him better than what he gave up: Prophet Yusuf (PBUH) became a King, a supervisor over the treasures of the earth, and was gifted with the interpretations of dreams! SubhanaAllah :)

Allah (SWT) says: “He said: “O my Lord! Prison is dearer to me than that to which they invite me. Unless You turn away their plot from me, I will feel inclined towards them and be one (of those who commit sin and deserve blame or those who do deeds) of the ignorant.* So his Lord answered his invocation, and turned away from him their plot. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.” [Surat Yusuf: 33-34].

Allah (SWT) says: “Thus did We give full authority to Yûsuf (Joseph) in the land, to take possession therein, when or where he likes. We bestow of Our Mercy on whom We will, and We make not to be lost the reward of Al Muhsinûn (the good doers?).” [Surat Yusuf: 56].

(*Thought*: If Prophet Yusuf got all that in this life, with all it's troubles & imperfections... can you even imagine the rewards in the next, everlasting life?)

The key is, we need to have patience & trust that our Lord will not let our sacrifice be for nothing. Allah is merciful to us because he is our creator & loves us. He faces us only with trials that he knows we have the strength to face. If we weren't able to face them, he would never let us suffer. Allah (SWT) doesn't make anyone bare a burden they can't withhold.

A lot of times, when we talk about giving up things we hold dear for Allah (SWT), we talk about it like it's a walk in the park. We act all "Oh, it's no big deal. If I have to give up something for the sake of Allah, I will...". But when the moment comes, when our strength (not physical strength, of course) is tested, we find that it is a big deal. It's really hard to make that choice, and it hurts.

But it’s only when we’re tested that we can truly prove ourselves to Allah (SWT). Remember that this whole life is a test. Its just hardship after hardship, with sprinkles of happiness in between. I know you’re going through a hard time now, but be patient, Sis. It could’ve been one of the hardest decisions you’ve ever made in your life, but in the end, you’ll see that it might also be the best you’ve ever made :) Allah is with the patient ones!

"Be patient. Surely, Allah is with those who are patient" (Al-Anfal 46).

"Verily, he who fears Allah and is patient, then surely, Allah will not let the reward of the good- doers be lost"

(Yusuf 90).

"Only those who are patient shall receive their rewards in full without reckoning" (Al-Zumar 10)

"So be patient, surely, the good end is for those who fear Allah" (Hud 49).

Take a deep breath & put it behind your back. You could keep hanging on, but life will still continue. Life will still go on. You’ve sacrificed something for Allah (SWT), and will insha’ Allah be rewarded, in this life & the next :)

I hope this was helpful, even in a teeny tiny way :) Good luck, Sis, and may the blessings of Allah (SWT) be with you! ^.^