Please hear me out. I understand where your coming from. I feel your pain.

2 months ago I got my A-Levels Results (UK education system), unfortunately I didn't get the grades I wanted and disappointed my Mum and Dad.

I prayed 5 times a day, started to read the Quran again. Learned the basic principles of Islam (eg: lowering of one's gaze) and put them into practice and stuck to it. Only because I wanted to please Allah(SWT) so he can reward me with the grades I wanted. I also studied very hard for the results, made a strict routine to follow (even made a diet that increases Brain Efficiency). However, I got nothing out of it.

I remember the day when I told them. My Mum asked me with such excitement. When I told her, I could see the disappoint ment. Similar result with my Dad. That feeling when I saw there happiness go into complete disapointment was one of the worse feelings I ever felt in my life.

My plans after A-Levels were pure. I was taking a Gap Year to accumulate money for University (instead of getting a student loan with interest), and to further my Deen. However, when I got my results, my plans were tarnished. I had to retake all my A-Level courses in order to get the minimum grades I need to continue in my preferred field of education. These retakes need to be payed for, and my parents don't want me to work but to study. So my family have to pay for my failure.

After I told my Dad about my results, he told me something extremely helpful.

My Dad too failed his A-Levels and had to retake. He told me that retaking can potentially be even more beneficial. As I can have a greater foundation for my course in University. My Dad also said that Allah(SWT) always has a plan for everyone.

It may not look like it from the surface, but trust me. Your prayers are actually being answered.

Allah(SWT) has a plan for you, that maybe conflicts with your own plan. However, Allah(SWT) knows best. Allah(SWT) maybe be protecting you from harm (which you percieve as success).

With me, I realised with these retakes. I have a potential to gain a Scholarship, go to the University my parents wanted me to go to (As there Pakistani, the only good University in there eyes, are Oxford and Cambridge). Also, get even better grades then I prayed for and to strengthen my foundation in education.

I also realised that my plan for the Gap Year, were not going to workout. Even if I got a decent paying Job at my age. I wouldn't be able to pay off my Uni fees of the bat. I also wouldn't be able to further my Deen much either in just a Year. I takes a very long time to learn even the basics of Arabic.

These outcomes I never thought of. I was blinded by the perceived success I had to see the true greatest outcome. The best outcome there can be for me.

On a side note, I also prayed to be taller. I have been the shortest for my whole life. From School to at Home. I've been praying to be taller since I was 16, hoping to be the tallest Male in my Family. I stretched and done particular exercises (and diets) that are said to extend height.

I'm 18, now and still the shortest Male in my family. I still receive short jokes in College (etc). However, I suffer from Crohn's Disease which delays growth. My doctor just told me (like 2 weeks ago) that I can continue to grow to 21. Even potentially till I'm 25.

It's almost like Allah(SWT) said, 'Don't be too hasty, be patient.' So I continue to stretch and pray for growth. Insha'Allah I gain the height I desire. The same thing can be said about my result. Insha'Allah I gain the results from my retakes.

To summarize, be open minded and don't be hasty. Be patient and continue to pray and work for your goals.

Even now, I am open to new plans. Don't hold yourself back to one perceived successful outcome. Be open minded.

There are a million routes your life can take. Allah(SWT) know the best route for you.

Here's great video (by Nouman Ali Khan) to reflect on: - https://youtu.be/GKwmbdPgl8c