A friend petitions us: you must do whatever it takes to get your children into private school, before it’s too late. Or if not private school, at least grammar school. I mean, are you daft? People move into your area to get their children into those schools. What are you waiting for? If you leave them in the state schools, they will fail, and they will never recover.
News flash: I went to private school and I am the least successful person I know. Meanwhile, numerous friends and acquaintances attended some of the most deprived schools in the country and yet managed to smash that glass ceiling. They have become managing partners of top law firms. Some have become barristers and judges. Some are specialist doctors, well-respected in their field. Some are in senior management, leading large technical teams. Others have built successful businesses of their own.
I don’t know what our children want to do with their lives yet. We can give them pointers and ideas, but in the end the world is their oyster. They may go to university, or they may decide upon an apprenticeship. They may decide to pursue some kind of professional career, or may just follow their hearts. They may remain in the UK, or they may migrate abroad. We will try our best to support them, investing in supplementary education where necessary. We will encourage them to work hard now in pursuit of a bountiful future.
But in truth, nobody knows what tomorrow has in store for them. Nobody knows in which land they will live and die. What we do know is that our rizq (provision) is from God alone.
God extends provision for whom He wills of His servants and restricts for him. Indeed God is knowing of all things.
Quran 29:62
What we are actually taught is that a way is made for whoever is God-conscious: that God will provide for them from where they least expect. Whoever relies upon God will find that He is sufficient for them. May Allah grant us and our children beneficial knowledge, halal provision and deeds which please Him. Our Lord, give us in this world and the hereafter that which is good for us. Our Lord, grant us humility, gratitude and contentment in respect to whatever we are bestowed with.
And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, God does not like the self-deluded and boastful.
Quran 31:38
Last modified: 23 June 2023
Aameen Allahuma Aameen.
I make similar doaa for my two daughters: Ya Rabb, guide them to make career choices which are beneficial for them in this world and in the hereafter. Ya Rabb, grant them righteous Muslim spouses whom they find pleasing and who find them pleasing. Aameen.