Why does my hard work sometimes not yield results?

Dear brothers and sisters, this is a question many of us grapple with throughout our lives. We often find ourselves wondering why, despite our immense efforts and hard work, we don't achieve the results we expect. This feeling of disappointment is natural, but if we approach this issue with a deeper, Quranic perspective, we realize that much greater wisdoms lie behind these matters. The Holy Quran teaches us that the universe operates according to a precise and wise order, and Allah, the One and Only Lord, is the All-Knowing and the Planner of all affairs. Nothing in this world happens without His will and wisdom, not even our efforts and their outcomes. This perspective grants us profound peace and insight, as we understand that whatever happens, there is ultimately a hidden good in it, even if we don't perceive it initially. One of the most crucial reasons the Quran reveals to us is the concept of 'divine testing' or 'Ibtila'. Our life in this world is fundamentally a testing ground. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 155, Allah says: "And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient." This verse clearly states that difficulties and the non-fulfillment of certain expectations are part of the divine plan to assess our faith, patience, and steadfastness. When we exert great effort but the desired outcome doesn't materialize, we are, in fact, undergoing a divine test. Will we remain patient? Will we continue to rely on Allah? Will our faith not waver? These moments not only expose our weaknesses but also provide an opportunity for our spiritual and moral strengthening. Furthermore, the Quran teaches us that worldly, apparent results are not the sole criteria for success. It may well be that Allah sees what is good and beneficial for us in something we perceive as a deficiency or a failure. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 216, it states: "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 illustrates that our limited knowledge cannot comprehend all dimensions of good and evil in an event. Sometimes, a lack of success in one path protects us from greater harms or guides us towards a better, more blessed path that we initially don't recognize. This is divine wisdom, which transcends our human understanding. Another point derived from the Quran is the importance of reliance on Allah (Tawakkul) and perseverance alongside effort. While Allah commands us to strive (as in Surah An-Najm, verse 39: "And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives."), He retains the ultimate control over the final outcomes. In Surah At-Talaq, verse 3, it says: "And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent." This means that we are obligated to exert our utmost effort, but we should not attach our hearts solely to the outcome, maintaining complete reliance on Allah. This reliance grants us peace and prevents despair, as we know that even if the desired result doesn't materialize, Allah has decreed what is best for us. Additionally, the absence of immediate results can be an opportunity for self-improvement and introspection. Sometimes, there might be negligence, deficiency, or even an impure intention in our efforts that prevents blessings from materializing. The Quran invites us to reflect and ponder. Is the path we have chosen the best one? Have we considered all aspects? Are we treading the path of truth and divine pleasure? These reconsiderations can lead us to correct our methods or even change our direction, ultimately resulting in greater successes. Prophets and saints also faced immense challenges, but they never gave up striving and relying on Allah, and this steadfastness paved their way to divine successes. Finally, let us remember that this world is not a place of immediate and complete retribution. Many of the true rewards and outcomes of our efforts may be preserved in the Hereafter and with Allah. What we gain in this world is fleeting, but what we do with pure intention and effort in the way of Allah is lasting and eternal. So, even if our efforts do not yield apparent results in this world, their reward and recompense are preserved with the Lord. This perspective helps us to continue our journey with peace and stronger faith, regardless of the outcome. Allah is the best advisor and guide, and whatever He decrees is for the good of the believing servant, both in this world and the Hereafter.