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The
balancing emotions of hope versus fear, together with the overwhelming
mercy, compassion, and kindness of Allah Most High does not mean that we
can do as we like. On the contrary, this should inspire us to strive to
do as much good as possible and then place our trust in Allah. Hope
comes from an expectation that one has followed the right path to the
best of one’s abilities. There are numerous verses in the Qur’an
which enjoin the believer to do good and abstain from sin. It is only by
reciting the Qur’an and implementing the guidelines that one will be
in a position to have one’s hopes increase, awaiting a pleasing
reward: “as you reap, so shall you sow.”
[“Lo!
Those who read the scripture of Allah, and establish worship, and spend
of that which We have bestowed on them secretly and openly, they look
forward to imperishable gain.”]
(Fatir: 29)
The
above verse makes it quite clear that we first have to read the Book,
establish regular prayer, and spend in charity; only then we can hope
for a good outcome. Furthermore, the best example to follow is that set
by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). It is through
following the Qur’an and the Sunnah that our hope in Allah’s mercy
and kindness is increased:
[
“Verily in the Messenger of Allah ye have a good example for him who
looketh unto Allah and the Last Day, and remembereth Allah much.”]
(Al-Ahzab: 21)
Furthermore,
Almighty Allah says, [“Who
so followeth My guidance, there shall no fear come upon them neither
shall they grieve.”]
(Al-Baqarah: 38)
The
religion of Islam is a religion of peace and it is a religion of hope;
it inspires hope in the believer, not despair.
[“Allah
ordained this only as a message of good cheer for you, and that thereby
your hearts might be at rest. Victory cometh only from Allah, the
Mighty, the Wise”]
(Aal`Imran: 126)
Moreover,
Islam is a perfect religion. We have been blessed with two sources, the
Qur’an and the Sunnah. These two sources of knowledge and wisdom shed
light in our darkest hours; they bring a ray, a glimmer, a floodlight of
hope when there is only despair and confusion. No other source is
required or necessary, for the religion has been perfected.
[“This
day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favor unto
you, and have chosen for you as religion Al- Islam.”]
(Al-Ma’idah: 3)
Source:
http://www.netcomuk.co.uk/~magamiet/Articles,_lectures/Hope.htm
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