THIS WASN'T THE PLAN: When Life Takes Unexpected Turns.

TAWAKKUL SERIES
THIS WASN'T THE PLAN
Finding Your Way When Life Takes an Unexpected Turn
Delivered by Muftiyah Saleha Bukhari Islam
Free Event
AUDIENCE: FEMALE ONLY
SUNDAY 22ND NOVEMBER 2026 | 11 AM - 4 PM
LONDON MUSLIM CENTRE, 1ST FLOOR HALL
وَعَسَىٰ أَن تَكْرَهُوا شَيْئًا وَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ وَعَسَىٰ أَن تُحِبُّوا شَيْئًا وَهُوَ شَرٌّ لَّكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
“Perhaps
you
dislike
something
which
is
good
for
you,
and
perhaps
you
love
something
which
is
bad
for
you.
Allah
knows,
and
you
do
not
know.”
{Qur’an
2:216}
Life doesn’t always unfold the way we imagined. Sometimes, circumstances change without warning. A relationship ends, a long-awaited dream doesn’t happen, our health takes an unexpected turn, family circumstances shift, or the future we had carefully planned begins to look completely different.
In these moments, we may find ourselves asking: '
Why is this happening? What do I do now? How do I move forward when this isn’t the life I expected?
As Muslims, we believe that Allah’s wisdom encompasses what we can and cannot see. Yet trusting His plan doesn’t mean we never feel disappointed, grieve what we’ve lost, or struggle to accept a new reality.
THIS WASN'T THE PLAN
is a reflective and practical seminar exploring how to navigate unexpected life changes, process disappointment and find a way forward when life doesn’t go to plan.
Together, we’ll explore how to make sense of difficult transitions, let go of the future we thought we would have, and begin rebuilding with faith, patience and renewed purpose.
Because sometimes, moving forward doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means learning how to take the next step, even when the bigger picture remains unclear.
WHAT WE'LL EXPLORE:
1. When Life Takes an Unexpected Turn
How do we respond when life changes in ways we never anticipated? We’ll explore the emotions that can arise when circumstances shift suddenly and why unexpected change can leave us feeling unsettled, overwhelmed or lost.
2. Grieving the Life We Thought We’d Have
Not every loss is visible. Sometimes, we grieve the future we imagined, the opportunities that passed us by, the relationships that changed or the dreams that never materialised. We’ll explore how to acknowledge these feelings without losing hope in Allah.
3. Finding Your Feet Again
When life no longer looks the way we planned, how do we begin again? We’ll look at practical ways to adjust our expectations, focus on what remains within our control and identify manageable steps towards moving forward.
4. Growing Through What We Didn’t Choose
We may not choose every circumstance we face, but we can work towards responding to it with faith and intention. We’ll reflect on how tawakkul can help us navigate uncertainty, rebuild our sense of direction and remain connected to Allah through life’s transitions.
WHAT WILL YOU TAKE AWAY?
By the end of the seminar, you will have the opportunity to:
Reflect on how unexpected changes have affected your life and your outlook.
A better understanding of the emotions that can accompany disappointment, loss and uncertainty.
Explore how to balance accepting what has happened with taking practical steps forward.
Identify what is within your control and what you may need to entrust to Allah.
Develop a more compassionate and faith-centred approach to navigating life’s unexpected turns.
Leave with a clearer sense of your next step, even if you cannot yet see the whole path.
BONUS: A
N INTERACTIVE REFLECTION
This seminar will include guided reflection and practical activities to help you consider your own circumstances and explore how to move forward when life looks different from what you imagined.
You’ll have space to pause, reflect and reconnect with what matters most, in a supportive environment where personal sharing is always optional.
Come as you are. Leave with space to reflect, reconnect and move forward.
We look forward to welcoming you for a day of reflection, learning and connection, insha’Allah.
May Allah grant us patience through what we did not choose, clarity in the moments we feel lost, and trust in Him as we find our way forward. Ameen.
SPEAKER PROFILE:
Muftiyah Saleha Bukhari Islam (London, UK)
Muftiyah Saleha
is an award-winning Ālimah and Muftiyyah, Shariah Council Judge, corporate multifaith chaplain, educator, speaker and presenter of IslamiQA on Islam Channel. Her work spans Islamic scholarship, spiritual development, pastoral care and family matters, supporting individuals and communities in navigating faith and contemporary life.
Drawing on her own journey of faith and sacred learning, she is passionate about making Islamic knowledge accessible, relevant and transformative, and helping others deepen their connection with Allah through knowledge, Qur’an and spiritual reflection.
CHARITY PARTNER: 13 RIVERS TRUST (13RT)
PLEASE NOTE: There will be a fundraising segment to support 13RT's Rescue Orphans Programme.