5 minute read
Hope And Optimism In Islam
Diana Suleiman
Hope is a universal concept among different nations, but it is especially synonymous with the teachings of Islam.
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During times of uncertainty, fear and challenges, hope is the only thing that keeps us going in life. Coupled with faith, it becomes a powerful force that can guide us through the darkest of times. In Islam, the messages of hope and optimism are continually instilled in us through the words of Allah in the Qur’an and the Prophetic example of His Messenger (s). Perhaps, it is only fitting now, to be reminded of these beautiful messages as many of us are struggling to stay positive during these difficult, isolated and uncertain times in our lives.
The Qur’an as a beacon of hope
Some of the most powerful messages of hope and optimism in Islam are found in the book of Allah. These messages encompass the scope of Allah’s mercy, as well as the glad tidings of relief with every hardship and the powerful mentions of the stories of the Prophets, highlighting their patience in times of difficulty and their unwavering hope in Allah’s relief. Allah constantly reminds the believers of His mercy in the Qur’an and a Merciful God would never test His servants with something that is not good for them, even if we might not always understand the wisdom behind life’s trials. Firstly, Allah begins all the chapters in the Qur’an with the words, “In the name of Allah,
the Most Compassionate, Most
Merciful”, which alone should inspire hope in the believer. He then continues to give us hope through multiple verses in the book, such as “…My mercy encompasses everything…” (7:156) and “Truly
God is compassionate and gentle
to mankind” (2:143). Having said this, it is important to mention here that hope in Allah’s mercy should be always balanced by fear of His punishment, like the two wings of a bird, where one should never overpower the other or we would lose balance in our faith. One of my personal favorite verses of hope in the Qur’an is when Allah comforts His Messenger (s) in a time of difficulty by repeating twice,
“for indeed, with Hardship will be ease; indeed, with hardship
will be ease” (94:5-6). I used to think that this verse meant that after every hardship follows relief, but was surprised to learn that it actually meant that ease comes paired with every hardship, so no matter how dark times get, there is always a silver lining underneath. Our minds and hearts just need to be open to understand this. Lastly, Allah narrates the stories of the Prophets in the Qur’an, as a reminder that each difficulty will come to pass eventually, regardless of how hopeless the situation might seem. Whether it involves loss, illness or isolation, the Prophets have all patiently endured through these trials and as a result, Allah rewarded them with the ultimate relief for their perseverance. Among such stories of hope, Prophet Jacob (as) was eventually reunited with His son after a long period of separation, Prophet Ayoub (as) was relieved from his illness after years of suffering and his blessings were multiplied as a result, and Prophet Yunus (as) was released from the belly of the whale after days of isolation and uncertainty. All of these stories serve as a reminder, that if God tested His most beloved servants with such trials, then we are even more bound to be tested and our main task is to remain hopeful and to never despair in Allah’s mercy!
The Prophet (s) was sent by Allah not only to spread the message of Islam and to warn of Allah’s punishment, but also to instill hope and optimism in the believers. Through his own example and cheerful demeanor, the Prophet (s) embodied the concepts of hope and optimism for the believers, despite his many struggles and challenges in life. He also instilled hope in us through his Prophetic sayings, as in one of his authentic hadiths were he says, “Wondrous is the
affair of the believer for there is good for him in every matter and this is not the case with anyone except the believer. If he is happy, then he thanks Allah and thus there is good for him, and if he is harmed, then he shows patience and thus there is good for him”
(Sahih Muslim). This hadith gives glad tidings to the believers in both good and difficult times and shines light on the significance of hope in a Muslim’s life. The Prophet (s) also said, “A strong believer is better
and is more lovable to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone, (but) cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose heart, and if anything (in the form of trouble) comes to you, don't say: If I had not done that, it would not have happened so and so, but say: Allah did that what He had ordained to do and your "if" opens the (gate) for the Satan”
(Sahih Muslim). In this hadith, the Prophet (s) connects hope and optimism in difficult times to a strong belief in Allah and reaffirms the fact that everything that happens to us is part of Allah’s ultimate plan and wisdom.
Eid as a symbol of hope and optimism
With Eid Al-Fitr upon us, it is perhaps beneficial to reflect on the deeper meaning and significance of this joyful occasion. After a month of fasting, patience, and physical struggle, we are rewarded with relief, ease and happiness through Allah’s blessings upon us. Just like that, with every struggle in life, relief is bound to follow and even in the midst of struggle we are rewarded with goodness and blessings from Allah through His infinite wisdom. Allah says in the Qur’an: “Or do you
think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] Messenger and those who believed with him said, ‘When is the help of Allah?’ Unquestionably, the help of
Allah is near" (2:214).
Thus, by reflecting upon Allah’s words in the Qur’an and the example of His Messenger (s), a true believer should never despair or lose hope in difficult times. Instead, we should be always reaching towards the beam of light at the end of the tunnel, until it overpowers the darkness in our struggles. May this joyous occasion be full of blessings for the Muslim community and may it instill in us hope that better days are coming, regardless of how many challenges we might face!
