Hope in Islam, known as rajā’, is a core tenet of faith that involves trusting in Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and divine plan, even during hardship. It is sustained by reflecting on past blessings, seeking guidance in the Quran and Sunnah, and believing that Allah is aware of and will provide a way out of difficulties. This hope is not passive but is coupled with patience (sabr) and the active pursuit of good, with the ultimate reward being in the Hereafter.
Pillars of hope in Islam
- Trust in Allah’s mercy: A central belief is that Allah is forgiving and merciful, and no one should despair of His mercy, especially after making mistakes. A key Quranic verse states, “Say, [O Prophet], ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful'”.
- Good expectations of Allah: Hope is linked to “thinking good of Allah” (ḥusn al-ẓann billāh). This means expecting that Allah will have mercy on you and grant your requests, based on the belief that “I am as My servant thinks of Me”.
- Gratitude for past blessings: Reflecting on the favors Allah has already bestowed, such as the ability to see, speak, or having children, fosters hope for His continued generosity.
- Patience and perseverance: Hope is intertwined with patience (sabr) and perseverance. Patience is an active form of worship that helps one endure difficulties, while perseverance is the optimistic struggle to continue despite challenges, with the assurance that “God is with those who are patient and persevere”.
- Balancing hope with action: Hope is not a reason for inaction. It should be balanced with taking practical steps and working towards one’s goals while trusting in Allah’s plan for the outcome.
- Focus on the Hereafter: Even if worldly hopes are not fulfilled as expected, Muslims maintain hope because they trust that the ultimate and eternal reward lies in the Hereafter with Allah.
How to cultivate hope
- Reflect on Allah’s names and attributes: Contemplate Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and power to bolster your hope.
- Recite and reflect on the Quran: Reading the Quran and reflecting on verses about paradise and Allah’s promises can inspire hope.
- Make supplication (du’a): Praying for blessings like health, knowledge, and righteous progeny is a way of expressing hope and relying on Allah.
- Trust Allah’s awareness: Remind yourself that Allah is aware of your struggles and will provide a way out, as in the verse, “I entrust my affairs unto God. Truly, Allah is aware of His servants”.
