Struggling to find purpose and direction

Waalaikumussalam varahmathullahivabarakathuhu Sister!!

What you’re describing is actually a question that many thoughtful people wrestle with at some point: If this world is temporary, why should I spend years studying, working, and building a career? The fact that you’re asking these questions doesn’t mean you’re lazy or lacking faith. It sounds like you’ve spent years reflecting deeply on life, death, and your relationship with Allah.

In Islam, there is an important distinction: The dunya (worldly life) is temporary. Temporary does not mean meaningless.
Allah created this life as a test, and part of that test is how we use the abilities, opportunities, and responsibilities He gives us. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companions did not spend every hour in formal worship. They traded, farmed, governed, taught, cared for families, and served society. Those activities became acts of worship when done with the right intention.

Studying physics can be an act of worship if it increases your appreciation of Allah’s creation. Becoming a doctor can be an act of worship because you help people. Earning money can be an act of worship if you support yourself, your parents, or give charity. Learning and developing your talents can be an act of gratitude for the gifts Allah gave you.

Notice that Allah did not say to abandon the world. Rather, He tells us to use the world in a way that leads to the Hereafter. You mentioned loving physics, mathematics, and astronomy. Think about that for a moment. Not everyone is fascinated by those subjects. Allah gave every person different interests and abilities. It is possible that your love for understanding the universe is one of the gifts He entrusted to you. Studying the laws of nature can lead to awe of the One who created them.


The Qur’an repeatedly calls people to observe the heavens, the stars, the sun, the moon, and the creation around them. These are not distractions from faith; they can be pathways toward it. Imagine that, 20 years from now, a young Muslim girl is struggling. Perhaps she’s sick and a Muslim doctor helps her. Perhaps she’s interested in science and a Muslim teacher inspires her. Perhaps she needs guidance and a Muslim counselor supports her. Someone had to study for years to be in that position. Their education wasn’t separate from serving Allah it was part of serving Allah.

From what you’ve written, curiosity about mathematics, physics, and astronomy may be part of that answer. You have one year of school left. Rather than viewing it as chasing dunya for its own sake, you could view it as fulfilling an amanah (trust), developing the mind Allah gave you so that you can use it for good.

Your studies do not have to compete with worship. Allah created us for worship, but worship in Islam is much broader than prayer, fasting, and reading Qur’an. Worship is living our entire lives in obedience to Allah and using what He has given us in ways He loves. Allah says:

“I did not create jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (Qur’an 51:56)

But notice that the same Qur’an also commands people to think, learn, work, reflect, help others, fulfill trusts, care for parents, seek provision, and establish justice. Allah Commands Reflection and Learning. The Qur’an repeatedly calls people to observe the universe:

“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.” (Qur’an 3:190)

As someone who loves physics, mathematics, and astronomy, this verse is especially relevant. Allah is directing believers to contemplate His creation. Learning about the laws of the universe can deepen your appreciation of the One who created them. Many great Muslim scholars studied astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and physics because they saw knowledge as a way of understanding Allah’s signs. This Life Is a Test, Allah says:

“He who created death and life to test you as to which of you is best in deed.” (Qur’an 67:2)

School, relationships, family responsibilities, and future work are all part of that test. An exam may seem insignificant compared to the Hereafter. The Prophets had Worldly Responsibilities. Prophet Yusuf He worshipped Allah, but he also managed the economy of an entire nation. Prophet Dawud.He worshipped Allah deeply, yet he was also a ruler and worked with his own hands. Prophet Musa.He spent years working before his prophethood.Their worldly duties did not distract them from Allah. They carried them out for Allah.Don’t Bury the Gifts Allah Gave You.If Allah gave you intelligence, curiosity, and a love for learning, then developing those gifts may itself be part of fulfilling your trust.

Imagine standing before Allah and being asked:I gave you a mind that loved learning. How did you use it?The Companions Wanted Both Worlds Allah praises believers who make this du’a:

“Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” (Qur’an 2:201)Notice that they asked for both.

The Qur’an does not teach us to abandon the dunya. It teaches us not to make the dunya our ultimate goal.You can pursue education, a career, marriage, family, and success while keeping your heart attached to Allah. The Prophet ( SAW) learned that some companions were pushing themselves to extremes. One of them would pray all night and hardly sleep. Another wanted to fast every day. Another wanted to avoid marriage altogether.

The Prophet (SAW) corrected them and said:
“I fast and I break my fast, I pray and I sleep, and I marry women. Whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not from me.” Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim

There is also the narration of Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As. He was spending excessive time fasting and praying. The Prophet ( SAW) told him:”Your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you, and your wife has a right over you.”This teaches that worship is not just prayer and fasting. Fulfilling the rights of your body, family, and responsibilities is also part of obedience to Allah.

For your situation, imagine if you said:
“I love Allah, so I will stop studying completely.” So ,What about the trust Allah gave you? What about your mother? What about the abilities Allah blessed you with?If Allah gave you intelligence, a love of mathematics and physics, and an opportunity to learn, then using those gifts responsibly can be an act of worship.


You also mentioned wanting to make your mom proud. Islam places tremendous value on honoring parents. While you cannot live solely for their approval, working hard, developing your abilities, and becoming someone who can benefit others can be a beautiful way of honoring your mother. So Pray your salah. Learn your religion. Honor your mother. Complete your education. Develop the talents Allah gave you. Keep your heart attached to Allah. Use your knowledge to benefit people. That is not choosing between dunya and akhirah. That is using the dunya for the akhirah.

Perhaps the most important thing I want to tell you is this, at 16 you don’t have to figure your entire life out. Just think, Today, how can I use the abilities Allah gave me in a way that pleases Him. Then do that again tomorrow. And the day after. That is how a meaningful life is built, one sincere step at a time. In Shaa Allah!!

May Allah make your path right and easier, ameen!!

Warm regards,
 
From your Sister in Islam,

“Fatima MV”