Whenever we are faced with difficulties or problems, then there are several ways to find solutions: We can talk to a friend or colleague, or we can delegate the problem to someone else who has more knowledge about the matter (an “expert” such as a doctor, a scholar, an engineer, an architect, a plumber and so on), or we can read books, or we can ponder over the problem by ourselves. Whichever method we use, the main key to solving any problem is first to have a deep understanding of that problem; for every problem contains within it the seeds of its own solution.

The only way to solve a problem is to have hope, patience, perseverance, and unshakeable determination. Hope is that mindset that says “I can do it,” “everything will work out fine.” Hope is the mindset that envisions a positive outcome, a successful outcome, and then focuses all your energies in rendering that anticipated possibility a reality.

Too often, our own potential for success is weakened by negative people and negative news (radio, TV, newspapers) around us that tell us all the time, “Don’t even try, there is no hope,” or, “There is no future in this country,” or, “What is the use of trying?” or, “The future is very bad.” These are the messengers of doom and gloom and the best advice is to stay away from them. Take charge of your own life and fill your mind with possibility, thinking, and hope.

Place your trust in Allah Most High. Allah did not send us to this world to fail. He did not send us to this world to lose all hope and fall into despair. On the contrary, Allah made us the best of creations and endowed us with faculties and powers and gave us guidance through the Qur’an and the Sunnah that forever show us the straight path.

This is the religion of hope; it therefore follows that the followers of this religion must also be visionaries of hope and patiently persevere in all their activities guided by the wisdom of the Qur’an and Sunnah. It is only in this way, that we can arm ourselves against the fluctuating vicissitudes of life and get a deeper understanding of our mission here on earth.