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The Art Of Waiting : Having Faith in God's Perfect Plan When Things Don't Go Our Way
“Good things come to those who wait.”
But how long must one wait?
As Muslims, we are aware of the virtues of bearing patience as stated in the Quran. However, in moments of weakness, we can't help but wonder, "Does waiting have to be this painful?"
"Does anyone else feel as anxious as I do when waiting for an answer, a decision, or even a life-changing event to happen?"
In this book, author Ezzah Mahmud illustrates the gentle journey of embracing “The Art of Waiting” with faith and hope — from the agonising uncertainty of waiting to the quiet moments of introspection and growth.
Through deep personal anecdotes and reflections, this book reveals how waiting is an inevitable part of existence. Each chapter delves into a different aspect of waiting — its challenges, its discomforts, and its profound lessons.
With a focus on faith and reliance on Allah SWT, this book is the comforting companion one needs for navigating the uncertainties of life, reminding us that in every wait, there is an opportunity for growth, learning, and deepened faith.
But how long must one wait?
As Muslims, we are aware of the virtues of bearing patience as stated in the Quran. However, in moments of weakness, we can't help but wonder, "Does waiting have to be this painful?"
"Does anyone else feel as anxious as I do when waiting for an answer, a decision, or even a life-changing event to happen?"
In this book, author Ezzah Mahmud illustrates the gentle journey of embracing “The Art of Waiting” with faith and hope — from the agonising uncertainty of waiting to the quiet moments of introspection and growth.
Through deep personal anecdotes and reflections, this book reveals how waiting is an inevitable part of existence. Each chapter delves into a different aspect of waiting — its challenges, its discomforts, and its profound lessons.
With a focus on faith and reliance on Allah SWT, this book is the comforting companion one needs for navigating the uncertainties of life, reminding us that in every wait, there is an opportunity for growth, learning, and deepened faith.
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First published July 25, 2024
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August 8, 2024
“It is only human to feel the doubts deep in our hearts
about what this life has to offer, and think that we did not do enough. Even though our minds know too well that Allah SWT is in charge of everything and He knows all that we do not.”
💭 The first snippet of the book I shared made my motherly heart ached so much, and it’s the author’s reflections after losing something so precious after years of waiting. 🥺
💭 On page 35, the author wrote “I had done my best, tried so hard and got as far as I could, only to face the heartbreaking possibility of rejection.” It’s so relatable to me. I was waiting for my translation works to be accepted, but at the end, none of them are. Reading this book feels like I’m being accompanied while going through my sadness and had reminded me of Allah’s promises that whatever sorrow and difficulties I’m facing, He would surely give ease and calm along with it. InshaaAllah.
💭 Each chapter provides a space to be filled in; list out the things we are waiting for, how we feel along the way, our expectations of the outcome, and much more. By reading this book, I reflect upon the author’s personal experiences related to waiting that led me to identify the things that made me anxious. This book also helped me realised the anxiety effects whilst guiding me out from the situation safely. Quoting her “Facing all of the feelings and emotions instead of running away, is a part of being human.”
💭 Are you scared too? Are you anxious too, like me? Like the most of us? Are you afraid of being alone in the journey of waiting and the possibilities of rejections or failures? This book is definitely for you.
about what this life has to offer, and think that we did not do enough. Even though our minds know too well that Allah SWT is in charge of everything and He knows all that we do not.”
💭 The first snippet of the book I shared made my motherly heart ached so much, and it’s the author’s reflections after losing something so precious after years of waiting. 🥺
💭 On page 35, the author wrote “I had done my best, tried so hard and got as far as I could, only to face the heartbreaking possibility of rejection.” It’s so relatable to me. I was waiting for my translation works to be accepted, but at the end, none of them are. Reading this book feels like I’m being accompanied while going through my sadness and had reminded me of Allah’s promises that whatever sorrow and difficulties I’m facing, He would surely give ease and calm along with it. InshaaAllah.
💭 Each chapter provides a space to be filled in; list out the things we are waiting for, how we feel along the way, our expectations of the outcome, and much more. By reading this book, I reflect upon the author’s personal experiences related to waiting that led me to identify the things that made me anxious. This book also helped me realised the anxiety effects whilst guiding me out from the situation safely. Quoting her “Facing all of the feelings and emotions instead of running away, is a part of being human.”
💭 Are you scared too? Are you anxious too, like me? Like the most of us? Are you afraid of being alone in the journey of waiting and the possibilities of rejections or failures? This book is definitely for you.
August 11, 2024
"Vocalising the pain of waiting is like trying to talk underwater. I can feel it lumping in my throat and lingering on my lips, and before I even have the courage to spill it out in comprehensive words and sentences, my mind filters it and it is stuck, lost in the echoes of "should I or should I not talk about it"".
Wow this book, makes me feel heard, makes me feel like, I'm not alone with all these thoughts of waiting for something in this life.
The Art Of Waiting is about faith in waiting about something that we want in this life and faith in trusting God's plan. This book is written in leisurely manner, it's like reading a friend's stories on how she overcame her pain, sadness and grief that life had thrown to her. There's also certain events that I can totally relate, that also happened to me.
Waiting is painful for me. Sometimes, in grief, I questioned on how much longer I have to wait in pain to receive happiness like every body else. Or I don't deserve those happiness at all? All those murky thoughts will always linger in my mind. But with this book, I learn that my feelings are valid, that my sadness is valid, but I have to trust Allah's plan more, that He has even more beautiful plans for me than what I currently don't receive.
I love this book, it's like reading into someone who totally can relate to me. Thanks to the comforting words I read in this book, I don't feel so alone in this waiting anymore.
Wow this book, makes me feel heard, makes me feel like, I'm not alone with all these thoughts of waiting for something in this life.
The Art Of Waiting is about faith in waiting about something that we want in this life and faith in trusting God's plan. This book is written in leisurely manner, it's like reading a friend's stories on how she overcame her pain, sadness and grief that life had thrown to her. There's also certain events that I can totally relate, that also happened to me.
Waiting is painful for me. Sometimes, in grief, I questioned on how much longer I have to wait in pain to receive happiness like every body else. Or I don't deserve those happiness at all? All those murky thoughts will always linger in my mind. But with this book, I learn that my feelings are valid, that my sadness is valid, but I have to trust Allah's plan more, that He has even more beautiful plans for me than what I currently don't receive.
I love this book, it's like reading into someone who totally can relate to me. Thanks to the comforting words I read in this book, I don't feel so alone in this waiting anymore.
December 27, 2024
83/2024
-The Art of Waiting
-Ezzah Mahmud
Sepatutnya buku ini boleh ditamatkan dalam jangka masa singkat. Akan tetapi atas dasar kerja, terpaksa saya tangguhkan dahulu. Hari ini baru selesai membaca naskhah penuh teladan ini.
Sering kali kita menganggap penantian itu satu penyiksaan. Menunggu dan terus menunggu. Sehingga terkadang kita tanpa sedar mempersoal kerja Tuhan. Mengapa kita yang terpilih di antara semua yang ada untuk berdepan dengan penantian penuh dugaan ini. Serasa hidup ini terlalu berat.
Namun, apakah kita pernah berhenti sejenak untuk berfikir apakah penantian ini sebenarnya punya hikmah yang tersendiri? Tidak siapa yang tahu, mungkin di penghujungnya Tuhan hadirkan bahagia yang tiada tolok bandingnya?
Penulis berkongsi kepada kita tentang penantian yang ditunggunya namun berakhir dengan tragis. Hari demi hari, hanya kesedihan yang menemani sehinggalah penulis menerima dengan reda. Kisah penulis juga boleh diambil sebagai tauladan kepada pembaca.
Tahniah buat penulis untuk karya hebat ini. Untuk kalian yang masih lagi dalam fasa penantian, buku ini sesuai untuk anda.
-The Art of Waiting
-Ezzah Mahmud
Sepatutnya buku ini boleh ditamatkan dalam jangka masa singkat. Akan tetapi atas dasar kerja, terpaksa saya tangguhkan dahulu. Hari ini baru selesai membaca naskhah penuh teladan ini.
Sering kali kita menganggap penantian itu satu penyiksaan. Menunggu dan terus menunggu. Sehingga terkadang kita tanpa sedar mempersoal kerja Tuhan. Mengapa kita yang terpilih di antara semua yang ada untuk berdepan dengan penantian penuh dugaan ini. Serasa hidup ini terlalu berat.
Namun, apakah kita pernah berhenti sejenak untuk berfikir apakah penantian ini sebenarnya punya hikmah yang tersendiri? Tidak siapa yang tahu, mungkin di penghujungnya Tuhan hadirkan bahagia yang tiada tolok bandingnya?
Penulis berkongsi kepada kita tentang penantian yang ditunggunya namun berakhir dengan tragis. Hari demi hari, hanya kesedihan yang menemani sehinggalah penulis menerima dengan reda. Kisah penulis juga boleh diambil sebagai tauladan kepada pembaca.
Tahniah buat penulis untuk karya hebat ini. Untuk kalian yang masih lagi dalam fasa penantian, buku ini sesuai untuk anda.
August 15, 2024
took me a while to finish this as i'm also going through something that requires me to wait and be patient. whatever it is, im so so sorry for what had happened to the author and surely i'll be praying for her! its heartwarming to read this book bcs she uses the first person pov as it makes it more close to my heart. hoping that sooner or later i'll be able to proudly say and believe that i put 100% of my trust on Allah instead of my noisy noisy thoughts in my mind (i'm trying)
October 22, 2024
Throughout the journey of our lives, we may encounter a lot of things and sometimes life knocked us down to the lowest part. And of course, it involves the process of waiting. We are all in a state of waiting including the time we will be presented in front of Allah SWT to be judged upon our actions.
This book enlightened us with the author 'painful' experiences that made her contemplating upon her precious life altogether with her husband. Through this episode that she went through, she realized that we human will be going through this process no matter what. In order for us to learn our dependency and also our reliance on Allah SWT.
What attracted me the most about this book is the way the author told us the art of waiting. Art here means something that we must do along the process of waiting instead of 'just waiting'. It refers to the methods, the steps that we must take to fill in the empty space we feel or we experience along the road.
1. Have faith in Him - Allah SWT does allow for something to happen for a reason. Remember the hadith? Even though we desperately want that certain kind of thing, it is upon Him that He wants to grant it or not. Trust Him for whatever He destined.
2. Let go and move on - no matter how smart we plan for our lives, something happen in the middle and we feel hopeless. We might wanna give it up sometimes. But remember, He is there watching for our actions. The episode that we experienced could be a turning point in our journeys. Let Him handle the rest!
3. We have examples from the past - look upon them especially the Prophets that went through the same trials as us. In case of the author, she looked at Prophet Zakaria as an example. How he made dua to Allah SWT, how he put on his hope, and at the end of the day, Allah SWT answered his prayers. So, what is our excuses?
What are you waiting for in this life? Yes,you!
It must be tiring right, sometimes stressful...hang in there ok!
We are on the same path, we are on the same journey. Trust this process of waiting, and indeed...trust in Him!
This book enlightened us with the author 'painful' experiences that made her contemplating upon her precious life altogether with her husband. Through this episode that she went through, she realized that we human will be going through this process no matter what. In order for us to learn our dependency and also our reliance on Allah SWT.
What attracted me the most about this book is the way the author told us the art of waiting. Art here means something that we must do along the process of waiting instead of 'just waiting'. It refers to the methods, the steps that we must take to fill in the empty space we feel or we experience along the road.
1. Have faith in Him - Allah SWT does allow for something to happen for a reason. Remember the hadith? Even though we desperately want that certain kind of thing, it is upon Him that He wants to grant it or not. Trust Him for whatever He destined.
2. Let go and move on - no matter how smart we plan for our lives, something happen in the middle and we feel hopeless. We might wanna give it up sometimes. But remember, He is there watching for our actions. The episode that we experienced could be a turning point in our journeys. Let Him handle the rest!
3. We have examples from the past - look upon them especially the Prophets that went through the same trials as us. In case of the author, she looked at Prophet Zakaria as an example. How he made dua to Allah SWT, how he put on his hope, and at the end of the day, Allah SWT answered his prayers. So, what is our excuses?
What are you waiting for in this life? Yes,you!
It must be tiring right, sometimes stressful...hang in there ok!
We are on the same path, we are on the same journey. Trust this process of waiting, and indeed...trust in Him!
February 1, 2026
MashaAllah, this book has truly opened my eyes to the beauty and wisdom behind waiting. It reminded me that waiting is not just a test but a blessing from al SWT, filled with lessons and opportunities for growth. The author shares her own heartfelt stories, and through them, I realized how each of us carries something we deeply long for, something we've been waiting to attain or experience with all our hearts. SubhanaAllah, her words touched me deeply.
Allahuakhbar, I couldn't hold back my tears while reading this book. It resonated so closely with my own life, as I, too, am in a season of waiting-Waiting for ail response to the du'as I have sincerely offered. The author reflections made me feel less alone in this journey and reminded me that al timing is always perfect.
Allah SWT says in the Quran:
"But perhaps you hate a thing, and it is good for you. And perhaps you love a thing, and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:216)
This verse beautifully summarizes the essence of waiting and trusting ail plans. We make our plans, but indeed, ail is the best of planners. Patience is not a sign of weakness but a mark of faith, trusting that aul wisdom surpasses all our understanding.
This book has reminded me to find peace in the process, to surrender my worries to ail, and to embrace the journey with gratitude. May aül grant us all patience and the strength to endure as we await His perfect answers.
This book is beyond words and beyond measure. It's not something that can be confined to a star rating because its value surpasses any scale. It touches the heart, stirs the soul, and leaves a lasting impact that words alone cannot capture. May Allah bless the author for sharing such a profound reminder.
Allahuakhbar, I couldn't hold back my tears while reading this book. It resonated so closely with my own life, as I, too, am in a season of waiting-Waiting for ail response to the du'as I have sincerely offered. The author reflections made me feel less alone in this journey and reminded me that al timing is always perfect.
Allah SWT says in the Quran:
"But perhaps you hate a thing, and it is good for you. And perhaps you love a thing, and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:216)
This verse beautifully summarizes the essence of waiting and trusting ail plans. We make our plans, but indeed, ail is the best of planners. Patience is not a sign of weakness but a mark of faith, trusting that aul wisdom surpasses all our understanding.
This book has reminded me to find peace in the process, to surrender my worries to ail, and to embrace the journey with gratitude. May aül grant us all patience and the strength to endure as we await His perfect answers.
This book is beyond words and beyond measure. It's not something that can be confined to a star rating because its value surpasses any scale. It touches the heart, stirs the soul, and leaves a lasting impact that words alone cannot capture. May Allah bless the author for sharing such a profound reminder.
July 30, 2025
I am utterly disappointed: by the writing, the paragraph construction, and the lessons that keep repeating throughout the book. One significant point was stretched out into multiple chapters, and I gradually lost my appetite for reading. I did finish it, of course, but my view on ‘waiting’ is no different now than when I first started, which is odd considering the book suggests it will explore both the beauty and the flaws of waiting. And yet…
I expected it to be filled with the aches that come with waiting—the little, personal details that make the wait bearable despite how frustrating it can be. But what was served instead? A shallow description of how the author’s life unfolded while she… waited. I do feel sorry for what she went through, truly. But the book turned into a memoir halfway through, and that’s not what I signed up for when I bought it. From start to finish, the core message remained the same: have faith, trust God, enjoy the journey. None of it was as deep or as stirring as the title suggested.
The Art of Waiting is, essentially, about letting go—letting go of yourself and putting your faith in Him. That’s the idea it tries to convey, but it feels about 100 pages too long. Just by reading the table of contents, I’d basically read the entire book. It reads like a brainstorming list for a high school article. I’m just glad the author profited from it, but it’s certainly not something I’d ever reread.
Edit— ⬇️
Didn’t see the caption on the physical book. It made more sense now why the book is very spiritually centred. Enjoy reading!
I expected it to be filled with the aches that come with waiting—the little, personal details that make the wait bearable despite how frustrating it can be. But what was served instead? A shallow description of how the author’s life unfolded while she… waited. I do feel sorry for what she went through, truly. But the book turned into a memoir halfway through, and that’s not what I signed up for when I bought it. From start to finish, the core message remained the same: have faith, trust God, enjoy the journey. None of it was as deep or as stirring as the title suggested.
The Art of Waiting is, essentially, about letting go—letting go of yourself and putting your faith in Him. That’s the idea it tries to convey, but it feels about 100 pages too long. Just by reading the table of contents, I’d basically read the entire book. It reads like a brainstorming list for a high school article. I’m just glad the author profited from it, but it’s certainly not something I’d ever reread.
Edit— ⬇️
Didn’t see the caption on the physical book. It made more sense now why the book is very spiritually centred. Enjoy reading!
July 19, 2025
I admire how the writer opens her heart, sharing her longing to have children of her own. Yet, she beautifully reminds us that God’s plan is always greater than ours. As human beings, we can only strive, hope, and pour our du’a to Him. Rather than waiting with sorrow, she surrenders to whatever Allah has written for her future, trusting that His wisdom is perfect. Every trial is uniquely tailored for each soul, while blessings overflow beyond measure. So, let us embrace gratitude for what we hold today, instead of grieving over what has not yet come our way.
September 6, 2025
It's a three stars from me.
I love that the author emphasise waiting is a time for us to make self-reflection. Indeed this book is more about her self-reflection. Each chapter, I yearn more content that can teach me about waiting. Perhaps more ayat Al-Quran to reflect on as to why Allah has planned everything- but that didn't happen.
And, a lot of the situations have been repeated way too much. I feel it's redundant and boring to read. Storytelling can be improved so that the flow of the story can reach the readers.
Overall, a good book to read to remind us about waiting.
I love that the author emphasise waiting is a time for us to make self-reflection. Indeed this book is more about her self-reflection. Each chapter, I yearn more content that can teach me about waiting. Perhaps more ayat Al-Quran to reflect on as to why Allah has planned everything- but that didn't happen.
And, a lot of the situations have been repeated way too much. I feel it's redundant and boring to read. Storytelling can be improved so that the flow of the story can reach the readers.
Overall, a good book to read to remind us about waiting.
December 26, 2024
At first I find it difficult to keep reading until I reach the chapter where the author share her pain when waiting turn into somewhat vain; it felt so personal, raw and heartwarming in the end.
I like this author's writing and I would definitely love this book had I read it back in my mid 20s, a phase where I could relate a lot with this book's theme.
Look forward to read more from Ezzah's writing.
I like this author's writing and I would definitely love this book had I read it back in my mid 20s, a phase where I could relate a lot with this book's theme.
Look forward to read more from Ezzah's writing.
February 26, 2025
It's a beautiful piece by Ezzah. I enjoyed reading it. Her words, the story arrangement had kept me curious to know what happens next. It's not a lot of pages, therefore it's good for a light reading.
p/s: Ezzah, if you are reading this, I am truly sorry for your loss. But you pick yourself up back strongly and wisely, girl. Thanks for this masterpiece!
p/s: Ezzah, if you are reading this, I am truly sorry for your loss. But you pick yourself up back strongly and wisely, girl. Thanks for this masterpiece!
April 25, 2025
The book is a light reading like a gentle breeze but it does have some deep soulful passages. The author also wrote a lot on grieving processes that she went through. Maybe to those who had similar experiences could relate better. Overall fairly easy read. Lots of affirmative & reminders on one’s relationship with God.
October 17, 2025
I really took my time to finish this book, I really made it wait. That aside, this book resonated well with me as I am also going through a process of waiting. I loved how the author always refer to the Qur'an to explain why she/we have to go through certain waiting phases in our lives and the barakah behind it. May Allah SWT bless the author for sharing the significance and beauty of patience.
February 16, 2025
Truly remarkable. I don't know how many tears fallen down on my cheeks. Allah subhanuwataala is the GREATEST, MOST MERCIFUL and MOST GRACIOUS. I'm struggling with life, job and financial thus this books speaks to me and resonates well with me. May Allah grants peace for our author, aamiin
April 18, 2025
Helped me with becoming more optimistic and trustworthy of God's plan, which wasn't easy for me but author's way of articulating words made me think of my situation in a different way. I am so glad I came across this book, especially during the ramadan this year.
January 1, 2026
a really easy read yet so powerful book, reminded me to always trust in Allah no matter what happens bcs He’s the one who knows what’s the best for you, although it might not be the thing you asked for.
August 14, 2024
Thankyou for creating this wonderful book🤍
November 15, 2024
The writing is so beautiful and so personal. Taught me to have faith
January 10, 2025
Light reading. Good reflection.
September 14, 2025
This book changed my perceptive about waiting. It builds and rebuilds your faith about wait and its fruitful results
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews