Verse (لَا تَدْرِي لَعَلَّ اللَّهَ يُحْدِثُ بَعْدَ ذَلِكَ أَمْرًا)
This noble verse appears in the context of Allah’s command: “O Prophet! When you divorce women, divorce them for their waiting period and count accurately the waiting period… and do not expel them from their homes, nor should they leave unless they commit a clear immorality… and whoever transgresses the bounds of Allah has indeed wronged himself. You do not know; perhaps Allah will bring about after that a different matter.” It is evident from this verse that it addresses the issue of divorce from an Islamic perspective.
Islam generally disapproves of divorce as it leads to disintegration of the family unit and severs ties between husband and wife. Divorce results in the dissolution of marital life. Therefore, if divorce is unavoidable, it should be accompanied by a waiting period to prevent harm to the woman—an indication of Allah’s disapproval of any harm inflicted upon her due to divorce. This waiting period allows the husband to reflect and avoid regret for divorcing his wife at an inappropriate time.
The husband cannot expel his wife from their home after the first divorce until her waiting period is complete. The phrase in the verse “ لَا تَدْرِي لَعَلَّ اللَّـهَ يُحْدِثُ بَعْدَ ذَلِكَ أَمْرًا” conveys hope even amid difficult situations. Neither spouse knows what Allah may bring forth during the waiting period, as He alone knows the unseen.
During this time, the husband may recognize the repercussions of the divorce and its emotional impact on his wife. Allah has the power to change all circumstances, shifting any judgments the husband made that led him to divorce. This verse instills hope in both husband and wife, affirming that Allah has the authority to redirect events as He wills.
This passage underlines that this verse addresses the waiting period while promoting hope even in challenging times.
Verse (يسْتَبْشِرُونَ بِنِعْمَةٍ مِنَ اللَّهِ وَفَضْلٍ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُضِيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ)
This verse discusses the merits of martyrdom in the path of Allah. However, its lesson extends to all Muslims. It illustrates a stance believers should adopt—awaiting relief from Allah, without despairing of His mercy, and being optimistic regarding His favor with the assurance that Allah does not waste the rewards of the patient and their good deeds.
The term “believers” in this verse includes both martyrs and ordinary believers, highlighting that the rank of faith universally encompasses martyrs and non-martyrs alike. Allah promises the rewards awaiting believers, akin to those promised to martyrs, because of their shared religious bonds and the good deeds they will be rewarded for.
Thus, this verse, while centered on martyrdom, sends a broad message encouraging believers to remain optimistic and assured of Allah’s mercy.
Verse (وَيُخْرِجُهُمْ مِنَ الظُّلُمَاتِ إِلَى النُّورِ بِإِذْنِهِ)
Optimism is a fundamental component of the message brought by Islam. Multiple verses in the Qur’an reflect this optimism, such as the verse stating: “وَيُخْرِجُهُم مِّنَ الظُّلُمَاتِ إِلَى النُّورِ بِإِذْنِهِ.” The “darkness” that believers may experience in their lives can manifest as feelings of being lost or tested. Every human being is vulnerable to trials, and indeed, adversity is an inseparable part of a Muslim’s life, as outlined in the Ayah that states: “Indeed, We created man from a sperm drop, and We test him; and We made him hearing and seeing.”
A person is subject to trials from the moment they draw their first breath, and these trials take many forms. They are not limited to illness or lack of sustenance; rather, anything that inflicts discomfort is a trial from Allah. Every trial faced by a person is rewarded by Allah—provided they remain patient, as mentioned in the Hadith: “No fatigue, illness, sorrow, or adversity afflicts a Muslim, even a thorn that pricks him, without Allah expiating his sins.”
No matter how severe the trial one endures, and no matter how heavy their heart may feel, relief from Allah will arrive. There cannot be ease without a prior struggle, nor relief without hardship; oftentimes, relief surfaces at the most challenging moments. Allah says: “Until, when the messengers despaired and thought that they had been denied, Our victory came to them.” Believers are urged to exercise patience and await relief from Allah, as no one comprehends the true state of a believer’s heart as Allah does; He is the guide, the illuminator of the path, the refuge from harm, and the embodiment of peace.
Through the Qur’an, Allah leads His servants from darkness into light, offering them the best of both worlds, elevating their status from the lower realms to higher ones. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, stated: “Indeed, Allah elevates some people through this Book and humiliates others.” Allah assures: “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear; and after hardship, there is ease.”
This verse reinforces that the noble message instills hope in the believer’s heart and that they are rewarded for their trials; regardless of the length of affliction, Allah’s relief will indeed arrive for those who are patient. Thus, hope and optimism are significant aspects of the message of Islam.
Verse (قُلْ بِفَضْلِ اللَّهِ وَبِرَحْمَتِهِ فَبِذَلِكَ فَلْيَفْرَحُوا هُوَ خَيْرٌ مِمَّا يَجْمَعُونَ)
This noble verse encourages believers to rejoice first in the blessing of faith in Allah and His Holy Book, celebrating the favors bestowed upon them. Nevertheless, it is essential for believers to express gratitude to Allah, the source of these blessings. Allah commands that joy be derived from His grace and mercy because such joy invigorates the believer, propelling them to thank Allah and aspire to earn His pleasure. It inspires the servant to seek greater knowledge and closeness to Allah, representing the commendable happiness.
Expressing joy for Allah’s blessings and showing gratitude as befitting His majesty is more beneficial for the believer than delighting in the ephemeral pleasures of this world. Sincere gratitude for Allah’s gifts leads to true happiness in both this life and the Hereafter. When Muslims acknowledge Allah’s blessings correctly, they attain His satisfaction, are granted dominion, and receive provisions from His infinite mercy, becoming instruments of harmony among creation. Conversely, if they stray from their faith and prioritize wealth and worldly products, neglecting Allah’s guidance, those blessings will transfer to their adversaries.
This passage emphasizes that the verse encourages believers to celebrate Allah’s bounties as He approves, while refraining from finding joy in actions that displease Him.
Verse (وَلَئِنْ أَذَقْنَاهُ نَعْمَاءَ بَعْدَ ضَرَّاءَ مَسَّتْهُ …إِنَّهُ لَفَرِحٌ فَخُورٌ)
The context of this verse addresses Muslims universally: “And if We give him enjoyment after hardship has touched him, he will surely say: ‘Gone are the evils from me.’ Indeed, he is exultant and boastful, except for those who are patient and do righteous deeds; it is they who will have forgiveness and great reward.” This noble verse criticizes those whom Allah blesses without expressing gratitude during both prosperity and adversity while praising the patient servants of Allah.
Allah does not condemn joy in itself; He mentions in the verse (وَلَئِنْ أَذَقْنَاهُ نَعْمَاءَ بَعْدَ ضَرَّاءَ مَسَّتْهُ) referring to tests, such as illness following good health or financial hardship following wealth. At that point, an individual might proclaim that hardships have been alleviated, reveling in such a mindset without offering thanks to the One who has removed their afflictions.
However, the true believers persist in their faith during trials, express gratitude in their comforts, and engage in righteous deeds. They are guaranteed forgiveness and a great reward for their patience and gratitude throughout both prosperity and adversity.
This passage clarifies that Allah does not rebuke joyful expression itself; rather, He reproaches bad boastfulness connected to blessings accompanied by arrogance towards creation.
Verse (بِنَصْرِ اللَّهِ ۚ يَنصُرُ مَن يَشَاءُ ۖ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الرَّحِيمُ)
This verse serves as a divine promise from Allah to His righteous servants of victory, captured in the text: “The Romans have been defeated in the nearest land, and they, after their defeat, will be victorious within a few years. To Allah belongs the command before and after. And on that day, the believers will rejoice in the victory of Allah; He grants victory to whom He wills, and He is the Exalted in Might, the Merciful.”
The reason for this revelation stems from the confrontation between the Persians and the Romans. The disbelievers hoped for a Persian victory since they were pagans, while Muslims wished for a Roman triumph because they were People of the Book, closer to their faith. Consequently, the Persian king sent an army to combat the Romans, and the Roman emperor ordered his troops to face the Persians, which resulted in a Persian victory.
The Muslims in Mecca were deeply distressed by this news, while the Quraysh disbelievers rejoiced, asserting: “You are a people of the Book, as the Christians are, and we are illiterate, and our brethren, the Persians, have triumphed over your brethren, the Romans. If you battle us, we will certainly defeat you.” This compelled Allah to reveal these verses. Ibn Abbas recounts that Abu Bakr informed the Prophet of the disbelievers’ comments, to which he assured, “They will indeed be victorious.”
This serves as good news for all believers regarding Allah’s guidance in supporting both the weak and the strong among His servants. Allah does not find it difficult to grant victory to His worshipers against their oppressors, regardless of their might. He is merciful to His creation, granting assistance to whomever He desires, refusing to honor oppressors who contend against His righteous servants, nor will He disgrace the supporters of His devoted ones. Allah is the avenger of all wrongdoing, bringing retribution for His servants against oppressors through their triumphs and showing mercy by delaying immediate accountability for their sins.
This passage elucidates the context of the verse and illustrates that Allah possesses the power to instill joy in the hearts of His faithful servants, ensuring victory for those who are sincerely devoted to Him, regardless of their foes.
Prophetic Hadiths on Optimism
Among the prophetic traditions attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, concerning optimism are the following:
- Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari narrated that the Prophet said when sending any companion on a mission, “Give glad tidings and do not frighten; facilitate matters and do not complicate them.”
- The Prophet, peace be upon him, stated: “The heart of a mature person remains youthful in two matters: in the love of this world and in the prolongation of hope.”
- Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, mentioned during the migration with the Prophet: “I was with the Prophet in the cave, and I lifted my head and saw the feet of the people. I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, if any of them lowers their gaze, they will see us.’ He said: ‘Be quiet, O Abu Bakr, we are two, and Allah is the third of us.’”