Hope

The divine promises of justice and mercy fill the believers with the confidence necessary to patiently face the difficulties of this life. Consequently, hope in the mercy of God is an essential part of faith.

 “O believers, seek help in patience and prayer. Truly, Allah is with those who are patient.” [Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah (2):153]

 “Surely those who believed, emigrated and strove for the sake of Allah, hope for Allah’s mercy, for Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most-Merciful.” [Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah (2):218]

Of course, paradise is the reward for patience based on sincere belief in God. God informs the believers of their reward as follows:

“...so announce glad tidings [of paradise] to those who are patient; those who, when afflicted with calamity, say: Truly we belong to Allah and to Him we will return.” [Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah (2):155-6]

Patience is also based on the belief that whatever befalls mankind is fundamentally a consequence of their own evil deeds.[1] [1]

 “Whatever befalls you is a result of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.” [Qur’an, Surah Ash-Shurah (42):30]

The fact is, God has excused humans for much of their evil. Were He to punish them strictly according to their deeds, they and all on earth would be destroyed. God addresses this issue in Chapter Faatir as follows:

 “And if Allah were to punish people for what they earned, He would not leave a living creature on the face of the earth.” [Qur’an, Surah Al-Fatir (35):45]

Suhayb ibn Sinaan related that the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said,

 “The affair of the believer is amazing! The whole of his life is beneficial, and that is only in the case of the believer. When good times come to him, he is thankful and it is good for him, and when bad times befall him, he is patient and it is also good for him.”[2] [2]

This is the state of one who has accepted God’s destiny. Consequently, belief in both the good and the apparent evil of what has been destined is the sixth pillar of faith in Islam.

On the other hand, if the believers experience a life devoid of any problems, it should be taken as a sign that something is wrong. Under such circumstances, the true believer must take time out and reflect on the realities of his or her life. Either the tests are not obvious and they are unaware of them or they have deviated from the right path.

 “Do not be awed by their wealth or their children. Allah only wishes to punish them with these things in this life and allow their souls to die while they are in a state of disbelief.” [Qur’an, Surah At-Tawbah (9):85]

This is not to say that the believers should yearn for problems and calamities in their lives, for Allah has taught them to pray:

 “Our Lord, do not put on us a burden like what you placed on those before us.” [Surah al-Baqarah (2):286]

Instead, they should thank Allah for whatever trials He has spared them. However, in times of ease they must remain vigilant and not become oblivious to tests, for success and happiness often blind people to the trials of life.