Is there a solution for a 23-year-old girl, who is committed to prayer and reading the Quran, facing a problem of halted life (neither marriage nor work) after regretting a past relationship with a young man, and now desiring marriage and work?

The questioner is advised to thank Allah for the blessing of faith and to be patient in the face of trials, for patience is the best gift. The Quran and Sunnah (definition) have indicated that sins are a cause of calamities and deprivation of sustenance. Allah says: "And whatever strikes you of disaster - it is because of what your hands have earned, and He pardons much." The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Indeed, a servant is deprived of sustenance because of a sin he commits." Therefore, communicating with the young man and transforming the relationship into a friendship may be the cause of the delay in marriage and work. It is incumbent to repent to Allah and trust in His relief.