Recently, a good friend asked me a question that made me pause and reflect:
“Why do bad people often get what they want – wealth, power, or position – even when they use bad means, while good, sincere people are often left behind?”
I could sense his frustration. He is one of the kindest, most hardworking, and selfless people I know. Yet he has gone through many challenges. His question is one that, deep down, many of us I believe, have silently wondered at some point in our lives.
At first glance, it does seem unfair. We see people who lie, cheat, and oppress others rise to power, accumulate wealth, and bask in influence. Meanwhile, the honest and sincere often struggle, waiting patiently, hoping for something better, but it seems so slow to arrive.
I am not a pious person myself. But I find comfort in reading. Whenever I feel stuck, I turn to books, and if I still cannot find the answer, I seek guidance from wise mentors.
His question reminded me of a similar doubt I had many years ago, and of the answer, posed as a question by a mentor, that changed my perspective.
“Doesn’t Allah say we get what we wish for?”
Indeed, the Prophet ﷺ taught us:
“Actions are judged by intentions, and everyone will have what they intended.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 6689)
And Allah reminds us in the Qur’an:
“Whoever desires this worldly life and its adornments, We grant them in full here, but they will have nothing in the Hereafter except the Fire…” (Qur’an, 11:15–16)
In other words, those who make this world their ultimate goal, and strive for it with all they have, are often allowed to enjoy it. Even if they achieve it through unjust means, Allah lets them have it. But that is all they get.
Sometimes, what looks like a reward is actually a test, or even a trap. Wealth and power in the hands of an unjust person can become a burden they cannot escape. I often ask myself, whenever I have to make a tough decision: Can I sleep at night in peace? That, for me, is worth more than wealth or titles.
For the sincere and good-hearted, it may feel like Allah is delaying what they wish for. They pray, work hard, and try to do things the right way, yet the recognition, the reward, the progress seem to elude them. That disappointment can be painful, and even shake one’s faith at times.
But perhaps Allah is not delaying. Perhaps He is protecting them from a harm they cannot yet see. Perhaps He is preparing them for a greater role, teaching them patience, or saving them from the arrogance and heedlessness that often accompany worldly success.
We need to remind ourselves: just because our prayers are not answered in the way we imagined, or in the time we wanted, does not mean they are ignored. Allah’s wisdom is far greater than ours, and His timing is always perfect, even if we do not understand it yet.
Because not all blessings are measured in money or status. Sometimes, Allah blesses us with a heart at peace, the feeling of “enough,” strength to endure with dignity, or a place of honour in the Hereafter.
The Qur’an reminds us:
“Perhaps you dislike something which is good for you, and like something which is bad for you. Allah knows, and you do not know.” (Qur’an, 2:216)
Yet, trusting Allah’s plan does not mean we should stay quiet or invisible. We live in a competitive world, and part of our test is to strive, to put in our best effort, and to make our good work known, in the right way.
Many good, intelligent, and hardworking people are left behind not because they lack ability, but because they lack the confidence to speak up and shine. They believe their sincerity and hard work alone will speak for itself, but often, it doesn’t.
I have seen this too many times: the quiet, diligent ones get overlooked, while the loud and greedy ones take credit and move ahead.
I remember my senior once told me: “You must learn to speak up, let people know your work, and get recognised.” At the time, I was an introvert. I still am but with more courage to speak up when I have to. Back then, I thought people would notice my efforts on their own, but they didn’t. That advice gave me the confidence to speak up and make sure my contributions were seen.
I am forever grateful for that lesson. And now I pass it on to my juniors: The good, honest, and hard working ones must speak up. Otherwise, we will always be led by bad, incompetent but confident leaders.
I believe we need a balance. On one hand, we must trust Allah’s wisdom and accept that He may give or withhold for reasons only He knows. Be grateful for whatever the outcome is. On the other hand, we must also strive, not just by working hard, but by having the courage to step forward and claim responsibility for the good we do.
Speaking up is not arrogance; it is part of Amanah, ensuring that good work is recognised and bad leadership does not prevail. That is how good people can create real impact in this world, without compromising their principles or their peace of mind.
So yes, people often “get what they wish for.” But it is worth asking ourselves, what is it that we truly wish for? The fleeting glitter of this world? Or the eternal peace of the next?
At the end of the day, the true measure of success is not how much we gain in this life, but how much peace we carry in our hearts, and how much love we earn from Allah.
That is the kind of success no one can take away.
Our conversation over coffee stretched into more than an hour, filled with reflections, questions, and a few quiet pauses. I could see some of his worry ease as we spoke. And I silently prayed that Allah would grant him, and all of us, the patience to endure our tests, the wisdom to see His blessings in their many forms, and the sincerity to wish for what truly matters.
Prof. Azizi is a senior academic at Malaysian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship and Business (MGSEB), UMK (https://mgseb.umk.edu.my) and former university leader with experience in research policy, academic governance, and innovation strategy. He currently teaches and consults on higher education and entrepreneurship, and can be contacted at [email protected].
