How to Align My Desires with God's Wisdom?

The question of how to align our personal desires with the boundless wisdom of God is one of the most profound and essential spiritual and existential concerns for humanity. Throughout our lives, we often form aspirations and plans that, at times, do not align with the realities we face or with what has been decreed. In this context, Divine wisdom acts as a guiding light, for Allah, the Exalted, is fully aware of all hidden and manifest dimensions of affairs, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, and His planning is based on absolute knowledge and pure goodness. To align our desires with this exalted wisdom, we must return to the Quranic principles and teachings that serve as comprehensive guidance for humankind. The first and most crucial step in this journey is "Tawakkul," which means complete and sincere reliance upon Allah in all matters. The Holy Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of Tawakkul. In Surah At-Talaq, verse 3, it states: "And whoever relies upon Allah - He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent." This verse assures us that when we exert our utmost effort and then entrust the outcome to Allah, He will ordain the best for us. This does not imply abandoning effort; rather, it means freeing our minds from unnecessary worries and knowing that Allah is the Overseer, Protector, and Planner of all affairs. Tawakkul brings a profound sense of peace to the heart, as we come to understand that every occurrence, whether seemingly good or bad, ultimately stems from the Absolutely Wise and is for our ultimate benefit, even if it appears undesirable at first. This inner acceptance allows us, even if a specific desire is not fulfilled, to defer to the hidden wisdom within it and to hope for a brighter future instead of succumbing to despair and hopelessness. The second step is "acceptance and patience" (Sabr). Life is full of trials and challenges, and sometimes we do not attain what we intensely desire. In such moments, the Quran calls us to Sabr. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153, we read: "O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient." Sabr does not merely mean endurance; it signifies steadfastness on the path of truth and resilience against despair, while maintaining trust in a good outcome. When a desire is not fulfilled, it might appear as a failure from our limited perspective, but in the sight of Allah, it might be a prelude to a greater good. Verse 216 of Surah Al-Baqarah beautifully illustrates this point: "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." This verse serves as a guiding light, teaching us that our perspective is limited, and sometimes what we perceive as evil is in reality pure good, and vice versa. The third strategy is "gratitude" (Shukr). Being grateful for the blessings we possess, even if our desires have not been fully realized, is of utmost importance. When we are appreciative of what we have, Allah also increases His blessings upon us. Gratitude shifts our perspective from what we lack to what we possess, fostering a sense of contentment and abundance within us. This positive outlook places us in a more suitable spiritual state to accept Divine decree and helps us better understand the hidden wisdom within it. The fourth principle is "supplication" (Du'a). Du'a is not solely for requesting desires, but also for seeking guidance and insight from Allah. In essence, Du'a is a tool for aligning our hearts and souls with the Divine will. When we supplicate, we are connecting with the source of absolute wisdom, asking Him to fulfill our desires if they are good for us, and if not, to open a better and more beneficial path for us. This approach deepens our understanding of Allah's power and will, leading us to the realization that whatever He decrees is ultimately the best. Surah Yunus, verse 107, states: "And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him; and if He intends for you good, then there is no repeller of His bounty. He causes it to reach whom He wills of His servants. And He is the Forgiving, the Merciful." This verse reminds us that all good and bad are by His will alone, and the best way is to submit to His wisdom. Finally, understanding that the primary purpose of our creation is to worship Allah helps us to frame our desires within the context of Divine pleasure. This worldly life is a passage and a test where we encounter our material and spiritual desires. When we prioritize Allah's pleasure, our desires naturally align with His will, making it easier to reconcile our aspirations with His wisdom. This perspective not only leads to inner peace but also fosters spiritual growth and guides us towards success in this world and the Hereafter. Therefore, to align our desires with Divine wisdom, we need profound faith, complete reliance (Tawakkul), beautiful patience (Sabr), continuous gratitude (Shukr), and heartfelt supplication (Du'a). These are the pillars that strengthen the edifice of our spiritual life and connect us to the wellspring of divine peace and wisdom.