Optimism

“So endure patiently, with a beautiful patience” – Al Ma’arij verse 5

Welcome to Spring! This special season is when the earth turns its slumber into reawakening. Each year, as we transition from the cold dormancy of Winter into the lively warmth of Spring, there is an undeniable sense of hope and optimism, along with the sweet scent of blossoms, in the air. The optimism of Spring is apparent in nature, as life begins again, and most importantly, its inherent within us. Allah (SWT) created us as creatures of worship—beings with an innate sense of inherent optimism and trust that His plan is unfolding, and that we get to be a part of it. When we place our trust in Allah (SWT), it puts our minds at ease, giving us less to worry about, and more to be optimistic about. These Hadiths are examples of how to live optimistically on your walk with Allah (SWT).

        

We Should Live With an Optimistic Heart

First and most simply, optimism is a matter of our hearts. The faithful, optimistic heart is the one that Allah hears the loudest.

Abu Huraira reported the Prophet (PBUH) said, “Call upon Allah with certainty that He will answer you. Know that Allah will not answer the supplication of a heart that is unmindful and distracted.” (Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 3479).

From the Hadiths, it is made clear that Allah (SWT) responds to an earnest and optimistic heart. A sense of optimism and mindfulness are a direct route to communion with Allah (SWT).

    

We Display Optimism Through Righteous Words

Our words have power. The type of language that we choose to use affects our mood, our spirituality, and our outlook on life. The things that we choose to say reflect the type of person that we are within. There are several Hadiths the speak on the subject of positive words. From these passages, we understand that an optimistic life requires an optimistic word.

Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said “There are no omens, but the best of it is optimism.” When asked what optimism is, the Prophet (PBUH) said “a righteous word one of you hears.”

Abu Huraira also reported the Prophet (PBUH) as saying “I am amazed by optimism, the good word, and the kind word.” (Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5422, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2223)

The messenger of Allah (PBUH) makes a direct connection between optimism, and words of righteousness, goodness, and kindness. Clearly, our words have the power to instil optimism within us and those around us. So, we should be careful and thoughtful, and ensure that we use the power of our words to inspire optimism, not negativity.

Our Thoughts Are Returned In Kind

Like our words, our thoughts influence how we perceive and interact with our world, and those around us. A positive mind and positive thoughts are the gateway to a happy, optimistic life.

According to Abu Huraira, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said “Allah Almighty says: I am as My servants expect of Me. If he thinks good of Me, he will have it. If he thinks evil of Me, he will have it.” (Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Ḥibbān 639)

This Hadith illustrates that our perception of Allah (SWT) affects our earthly condition. If we choose to live focused on the good, we will have it. However, if we choose to live focused on evil, we will have that as well.

In another Hadith, reported by Abu Huraira, the Prophet (PBUH) said “Allah Almighty says: I am as my servant expects of Me, and I am with him as he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I will remember him in Myself. If he mentions Me in a gathering, I will mention him in a greater gathering. When he draws near Me by the span of his hand, I draw near him by the length of a cubit. When he draws near Me by the length of a cubit, I draw near him by the length of a fathom. When he comes to Me walking, I come to him running.” (Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 7405, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2675)

What we offer undo Allah (SWT), he returns in even greater proportions. Simply, if we offer him a faithful, obedient, optimistic life, it will be a life worth living.