Islamic Theory of Hope (امید)

                                                                                                                                  Author: Ushna Nawaz

Introduction

I would like to start my Islamic theory with the name of Allah who is the most beneficent and merciful. I acknowledge the fact that unfortunately with time we Muslims have gone way far from our origin but it’s time to come to reconnect with our roots, the Islamic values. So, this is my little formal contribution towards the advancement of Muslim Psychology. When we were assigned to develop a theory following any ten verses of the Quran, the first thing that came to my mind was “HOPE (امید)”. In Psychology, hope plays a significant role in almost all aspects of our lives and also in curing some disorders such as depression. Hope lets us live in a better way; and motivates and encourages human beings for the next moment and future.

During my lifetime, I have experienced numerous situations where the end of the tunnel was closed and covered with darkness; at those times the only hope was Allah Almighty because I always thought no matter what the situation was Allah was always there to look after me and this life has to end one day if not today then tomorrow. Moreover, the history of Islam also retains numerous ways of keeping up our hopes and some are discussed below.

Assumptions (Beliefs)

As a religious person (Muslim in the current scenario) we believe that

·         There is a God; God exists

·         He is related to all aspects of our lives

·         He controls our lives one way or other way

·         He knows more than anyone else

·         God is not bound by the restrictions of time

·         Religious people believe that God knows the future so we pray

·         Pray keeps us hopeful

·         We Pray because we believe prayer would be responded to if not known then later

Past Examples

If we look across the history of Islam, numerous examples related to hope are manifested that are significant for us to stay hopeful in any situation. One of them is the event of Pharoah and Musa (A.S.). It is quoted in the Quran as:

"And when the two companies saw one another, the companions of Musa said, 'Indeed, we are to be overtaken!' He said, 'No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me.' Then We inspired to Musa, 'Strike with your staff the sea,' and it parted, and each portion was like a great towering mountain. And We advanced thereto the pursuers. And We saved Musa and those with him, all together. Then We drowned the others." — Surah Ash-Shu'ara (26:61-66)

This Ayah is one of the best examples being set to never get hopeless even when there is no way out and all you can see is a big sea with no gadget to cross it. Another great example is of Hazrat Yunus (A.S.) who remained captured in the stomach of a Whale as a punishment for his mistake. He believed in Allah even in the darkness and kept repenting with the hope that one day Allah would forgive him and would have mercy on him. This event gives us hope that even after committing sins Allah would forgive us but the condition is to do repentance and believe in His mercy. The event of Hazrat Yunus (A.S.) is quoted in the Quran as,

"And indeed, Yunus was among the messengers. [Mention] when he ran away to the laden ship. And he drew lots and was among the losers. Then the fish swallowed him, while he was blameworthy. And had he not been of those who exalt Allah, he would have remained inside its belly until the Day they are resurrected." — Surah As-Saffat (37:139-144)

Verses from Quran

            The Quran is wholesome in numerous ways. It provides comfort in times of difficulty by providing words of hope and reassurance. It serves as a reminder to believers that Allah is constantly with them and that every adversity has a reason and a solution. At multiple places in the Quran, Allah has given hope to human beings so they do not stay in despair.

Verses	Extracted Themes (Main Themes)	Psychological Implications (Help to Human Beings)
"For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease." Surah Ash-Sharh (94:5-6)	Hope for ease and relief	Boost resilience and encourage tenacity by providing a sense of relief.
"Say, '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.' Surah Az-Zumar (39:53)	Hope of forgiveness	Fosters a feeling of hope and refreshment while reducing guilt and hopelessness.
"Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear..." Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286)	Hope of being loved by Allah; Strength	Increases self-assurance and self-worth, and lessens overwhelming feelings, encouraging an optimistic approach to conquering challenges.
"Say, 'Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.' And upon Allah let the believers rely." Surah At-Tawbah (9:51)	Believe in Allah; trust in His plans; Believe that no problem will reach me until Allah allows it; Hope of Safety	Enhanced feelings of security, and reduced anxiety and stress due to danger or problematic situations.
"Is He [not best] who responds to the desperate one when he calls upon Him and removes evil..." Surah An-Naml (27:62)	Hope of prayers to be accepted	Providing comfort and a soothing effect that our wishes will be granted consequently helps us to stay hopeful and also provides us with a feeling of pleasure.
"...Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people." Surah Yusuf (12:87)	Hope of Allah’s mercy	Reassurance that we are and will be blessed in one way or another.
"And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good." Surah Al-Ankabut (29:69)	Hope for guidance and success	Those who want to be successful have guidelines to be followed. We are not left with nothing; we know where to go to lessen confusion and more clarity; and satisfaction of being supervised
"Except for those who repent, believe, and do righteous work. For them, Allah will replace their evil deeds with good. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful." Surah Al-Furqan (25:70)	Hope for forgiveness and mercy; Hope that we won’t be punished for our sins if we repent to Allah.	Allah knows me better than anyone else, He knows my inside out, even if people judge my actions Allah knows my intentions; consequently leads to having pure intentions and less fear of being judged. Fostered the belief that Allah would forgive me I just needed to repent and stop repeating the same sin; and reduced guilt.
"Indeed, those who have believed and those who have emigrated and fought in the cause of Allah - those expect the mercy of Allah. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." Surah Al-Baqarah (2:218)	Hope Allah can be pleased by our actions; Hope of pleasing our creator	Increased self-worth and motivation; the sense of having a purpose; spiritual comfort and fulfillment.
"And it is He who sends down the rain after they have despaired and spreads His mercy. And He is the Protector, the Praiseworthy." Surah Ash-Shura (42:28)	Hope (encouragement) to stay hopeful; Hope that at one point bad days will be replaced by good days	Resilience to fight our challenges; more focused on generating solutions rather than focusing on the problems’ details; maintain optimism and stay persistent. Believe that success can be obtained through consistent efforts.
"Your Lord has not forsaken you, nor has He despised you." Surah Ad-Duhaa (93:3)	Believe that Allah is always with us; Hope of being supported and protected by Allah	Reduced level of loneliness; satisfaction of being supported and protected; boosted confidence and emotional resilience; high morale; fostered mental wellbeing.