Optimism Pessimism in Islam

Devin Halim Wijaya12 November 2024

0 0 5 minutes read

Optimism is a core principle in Islam. Amid life’s trials and challenges, Muslims are encouraged to hold onto husnuzan—positive assumptions toward Allah. This approach brings not only inner peace but also strength to face life’s difficulties with patience and hope. Pessimism, on the other hand, is an attitude to avoid, as it can lead to despair, weaken faith, and hinder personal growth.

This article delves into the concept of optimism in Islam, the potential dangers of pessimism, and how to overcome it through the power of faith.

1. The Meaning and Importance of Optimism in Islam

In Islam, optimism comes from the belief that everything that happens has a purpose and is part of Allah’s best plan for His servants. The concept of husnuzan, or thinking well of Allah, teaches that Muslims should maintain a positive outlook toward all of Allah’s decrees.

In a hadith qudsi, the Prophet ﷺ said:

أَنَا عِندَ ظَنِّ عَبْدِي بِي

“I am as My servant thinks I am.”
(Reported by Bukhari, no. 7405; Muslim, no. 2675)

This hadith teaches that Allah treats His servant according to what the servant believes. If we think well of Allah, goodness will come to us; if we think negatively, it may bring hardship into our lives.

A. Optimism in the Life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

The life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ provides countless examples of optimism. One well-known example is during the migration to Medina, when the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr were hiding in the Cave of Thawr. The Quraysh nearly found them, but the Prophet ﷺ reassured Abu Bakr with the words:

لَا تَحْزَنْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَنَا

“Do not be sad, for indeed Allah is with us.”
(Quran, At-Tawbah, 9:40)

The Prophet’s ﷺ unwavering optimism in Allah’s protection even in dire situations serves as a model. This attitude shows that, even under extreme pressure, Muslims should maintain good thoughts toward Allah and trust that He will provide a way out.

B. Optimism in the Face of Failure

Everyone experiences setbacks or failure at some point. However, Islam encourages Muslims not to let these experiences lead to despair. Allah says in the Quran:

وَعَسَىٰ أَن تَكْرَهُوا شَيْئًا وَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ

“It may be that you dislike a thing, and it is good for you.”
(Quran, Al-Baqarah, 2:216)

This verse reminds us that hardships or failures may lead to unseen good. With an optimistic approach, a Muslim is more motivated to persevere and place their trust in Allah’s plan, knowing that He knows what is ultimately best.

Also read:The Prohibition of Extravagant Life in Islam

2. The Dangers of Pessimism in a Muslim’s Life

Pessimism contradicts the spirit of Islam, as it leads people into hopelessness, making them feel powerless and distant from Allah. Allah warns against giving up hope:

قُلْ يَاعِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِن رَّحْمَةِ اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ

“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of Allah’s mercy. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.’”
(Quran, Az-Zumar, 39:53)

This verse is a reminder of Allah’s boundless mercy and the encouragement that despair is unfitting for a believer. Muslims are encouraged to trust in Allah’s mercy and continue striving to better themselves without succumbing to hopelessness.

The Impact of Pessimism on Mental and Spiritual Health

Pessimism impacts not only mental health but also weakens faith. The Prophet ﷺ said:

مَا يُصِيبُ الْمُؤْمِنَ مِنْ نَصَبٍ وَلَا وَصَبٍ وَلَا هَمٍّ وَلَا حُزْنٍ وَلَا أَذًى وَلَا غَمٍّ حَتَّى الشَّوْكَةِ يُشَاكُهَا إِلَّا كَفَّرَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِنْ خَطَايَاهُ

“No fatigue, disease, sorrow, sadness, harm, or distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, except that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.”
(Reported by Bukhari, no. 5641)

This hadith reminds us that every hardship has meaning and reward. With this perspective, Muslims are encouraged to embrace their trials with faith and patience rather than despair.

Also read:Muslim Business Ethics Part 2: Fulfilling Promises

3. Overcoming Pessimism through Strong Faith

Islam offers several practical ways to overcome pessimism by strengthening one’s faith, including:

A. Seeking Allah through Prayer and Remembrance

Prayer and remembrance (dhikr) bring us closer to Allah and provide peace. Allah says in the Quran:

أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ

“Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.”
(Quran, Ar-Ra’d, 13:28)

The Prophet ﷺ also taught specific prayers for times of difficulty. One of them is:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ غَلَبَةِ الدَّيْنِ وَقَهْرِ الرِّجَالِ

“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, from weakness and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, and from being overwhelmed by debt and the oppression of men.”
(Reported by Abu Dawud, no. 1555)

This supplication seeks protection from feelings that can lead to pessimism, while also acknowledging that Allah is the ultimate source of strength and peace.

B. Trusting in Allah’s Decree (Qadr)

Belief in Allah’s decree (Qadr) is essential in overcoming pessimism. This belief assures that whatever happens is part of Allah’s plan, and no trial is beyond one’s capacity to bear. Allah says:

لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.”
(Quran, Al-Baqarah, 2:286)

The realization that Allah does not test us beyond our abilities reinforces our ability to remain positive and resilient in the face of life’s challenges.

C. Having Good Thoughts about Allah

Having good thoughts about Allah is a core aspect of Islamic optimism. When a Muslim believes that Allah’s plans are always for the best, they feel at peace, regardless of the situation. The Prophet ﷺ said:

عَجَبًا لِأَمْرِ الْمُؤْمِنِ، إِنَّ أَمْرَهُ كُلَّهُ خَيْرٌ، وَلَيْسَ ذَاكَ لِأَحَدٍ إِلَّا لِلْمُؤْمِنِ

“How amazing is the affair of the believer. Indeed, his entire affair is good, and this is not for anyone except the believer.”
(Reported by Muslim, no. 2999)

This belief inspires peace in a Muslim’s heart and strengthens their confidence in Allah’s wisdom, regardless of circumstances.

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Conclusion

Optimism is an essential characteristic in Islam, as it embodies trust and good assumptions toward Allah in every situation. On the contrary, pessimism is harmful to a Muslim’s faith, as it weakens the connection with Allah’s mercy and guidance. By cultivating strong faith, making supplications, accepting Allah’s decree, and maintaining good thoughts about Allah, Muslims can overcome pessimism and live with hope and tranquility.