A Door is Always Left Ajar

Life in this world is often not a continuous melody of happiness. This reality is particularly evident in Africa, where issues such as poverty, disease, unemployment, injustice, and inadequate access to basic life necessities prevail. As individuals grapple with the intricate struggles brought on by modernity, some find themselves overwhelmed and unable to persist in the face of challenges. Factors such as a lack of determination, failure to muster courage, insufficient self-confidence, unwarranted fears, jealousies, and a lack of faith can turn a peaceful life into one filled with despair.

Experiencing setbacks is a common part of life, and when one door closes, it serves as a stark reminder of this truth. The closure of a door in our personal journey should not signal the end; rather, it is an invitation to explore new possibilities. If destiny dictates a setback, be it a lost job, a business failure, academic disappointments, or even the end of a relationship, these events are not final. Instead, they present opportunities to reevaluate, adapt, and pursue new paths. "A successful individual learns from their errors and tries once more in a new manner,” they say. Anyone with true belief in Allah and steadfastness can find another avenue even when they appear to be shut. Even in the bleakness of closed doors, one remains ajar — that of patience and persistence.

According to Allah (SWT) in the Qur'an 65:2-3, "And those who are conscious of Allah, He will prepare for them a way out; and will provide for them from sources they could never have imagined. If anyone relies on Allah, He is sufficient for them. Indeed, Allah will bring about His command; Allah has set a measure for all things." To move forward and seek new opportunities when one door slams shut, faith and trust in Allah are essential. If obedience to the creator and concern for His directives are not valued, it becomes challenging to find new pathways, even with the best intentions.

Success in life often does not stem from extraordinary capabilities alone. The wealthiest individual in Nigeria is not necessarily the strongest, nor does a professor ascend to the role of a vice-chancellor merely by superior intellect. Instead, having faith in Allah and the resolve to seek opportunities amid difficulties plays a crucial role in determining success, happiness, and prosperity. The closing of a door should not induce panic or anxiety; instead, it should inspire motivation and resilience leading towards success. Recognizing the closure of a door as a potential source of motivation can bring out the best in us, rather than becoming a catalyst for despair.

Let us reject cynicism, which can prevent us from opening new doors when others close. A positive outlook enables us to rise above adversity and navigate through setbacks. Often, we may become so fixated on a closed door that we overlook the one that remains slightly open, guided by Allah’s grace. The closure of a door might indeed serve as a disguised blessing. The end of one chapter can lead to opportunities that spark hope for a better future. Setbacks should not anchor us in despair but can instead propel us towards new beginnings of comfort and solace.

As we face closure, it’s prudent to remain calm and analyze our circumstances rationally. Allowing circumstances to demoralize us would be unwise, as seeking Allah’s guidance through prayer and reaching out to trusted confidants can lead to recovery. Even when one feels boxed in, the Glorious Qur’an is a door that remains open for exploration and reassurance. Continuous engagement with the Qur’an provides comfort and guidance for every human predicament, unlocking any door that seems shut.

If we encounter material losses, we should remember that Allah can replace what is lost with something even better. For instance, if crops fail due to blight or disaster, Allah has ways to compensate for those losses. Should a theft rob us of our possessions or natural events cause property damage, we need not succumb to despair at the closing of a previous path. Encountering loss — be it a job, possession, or even a loved one — serves as a reminder that Allah’s wisdom often exceeds our understanding, as He knows what is best for us.

As believers, it is vital to embrace every little setback with a positive perspective. Trials are said by the learned to be indicative of Allah’s affection for His servants, as He tests only those He cherishes. Consequently, we should view the closing of one or multiple doors during life's journey as a sign of divine acknowledgment, grounded in the love that Allah has for us. Each time we confront a closed door, let us pray for the opening of numerous alternative opportunities leading us to peace and contentment, Amin.