Many of us, at some point in our lives, dream of achieving success. We want to be financially stable or even wealthy not just to live comfortably, but to support our families, give to others, and have peace of mind. And so, we set goals. We work hard. We strive. We make dua. We pray to Allah sincerely.

But then… there are moments where it feels like nothing is happening.

And we ask ourselves, “Why hasn’t Allah answered my dua yet?”

It’s a painful question. It can feel like our efforts aren’t enough, or like we’re being ignored. But this is exactly the moment where Islam teaches us something so beautiful something so powerful and that is the balance between effort, patience, and trust in Allah’s perfect timing.

Let me share with you one of the most beautiful and simple du’as taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:

اللّهُمَّ اكْفِنِي بِحَلالِكَ عَنْ حَرَامِكَ، وَأَغْنِنِي بِفَضْلِكَ عَمَّنْ سِوَاكَ
“O Allah, grant me halal and blessed sustenance. Make me someone who gives rather than only receives. And grant me success in this world and the hereafter.”

This short but powerful supplication covers everything a believer truly needs.

Let’s break it down…

1. Grant me halal and blessed sustenance.

This isn’t just about money. We’re not asking for wealth alone we’re asking for income that is pure, lawful, and full of barakah, or blessings. Because what’s the use of money that brings stress? Or wealth that brings arrogance, or harm to others?

✨ Example: Imagine someone who owns a halal food business. They don’t just focus on profits they focus on treating their workers well, being honest with customers, and ensuring everything they earn is clean. That’s halal and blessed sustenance.

2. Make me someone who gives rather than only receives.

This part of the du’a reminds us: we don’t want to be people who always rely on others. We want to be among those who give with our money, our time, our knowledge, our kindness.

✨ Example: A sister who used to struggle financially now earns a stable income. Instead of just buying more for herself, she starts a small fund to help single mothers in her community. This is the kind of giving spirit Islam encourages.

Giving is a sign of abundance, not just of wealth, but of heart and iman.

3. Grant me success in this world and the hereafter.

Real success isn’t just in dollars, titles, or cars. It’s in having peace, good health, strong family ties, a clean heart, and ultimately Jannah.

✨ Example: A brother may not be rich, but he wakes up for Fajr, helps his elderly parents, earns honestly, and dies with his heart at peace. That in Allah’s eyes is success.

It’s important to know: It’s not wrong to pray for wealth and success. Islam doesn’t discourage ambition what matters is your intention. Ask yourself:
“Why do I want success?”
“Will I use it to serve others, to support my family, to give back to the community?”

Because we’re not just asking for money. We’re asking for sustenance that brings goodness, contentment, and divine approval.

So if you’re still waiting for your dua to be answered…
If you’re still struggling even though you’re praying and working hard

Don’t give up. Don’t lose hope.

Sometimes, Allah delays a blessing because He’s preparing you for something greater. Sometimes, what you think is a delay is actually a divine redirection a path that’s better for your iman, your soul, and your future.

📿 Keep making dua.
💪 Keep putting in the effort.
🕊️ And most importantly trust Allah’s timing.

Remember: Every sincere prayer is heard.
Every tear, every whisper, every hopeful sujood is seen and known by your Rabb.

He may not give you what you ask for immediately…
But He will always give you what is best at the best time.

So hold on. Your time will come.
And when it does you’ll understand the delay wasn’t a rejection.
It was a preparation.

✨ Trust His wisdom. Trust His mercy.
May Allah grant us all halal, blessed sustenance, make us givers, and grant us success in this life and the next.

Ameen.