Having Good Expectations: Trusting in Allah’s Mercy

The Importance of Optimism and Trust in Allah’s Mercy

ALLĀH says: (Ya’qūb said) O my sons! Go and search ˹diligently˺ for Yūsuf (Joseph) and his brother, and never give up hope of ALLĀH’s Mercy. Certainly no one despairs of ALLĀH’s Mercy, except the people who disbelieve.” {Yūsuf || Verse 87}

Abu Huraira (may ALLĀH be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of ALLĀH (ﷺ) said, “ALLĀH 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.’” {S‌ah‌i‌h‌ Ibn H‌ibba‌n #639}

Abu Huraira (may ALLĀH be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of ALLĀH (ﷺ) said: “ALLĀH says: ‘I am as MY servant expects of ME, and I am with him when he calls upon ME.’” {Muslim #2675}

Anas (may ALLĀH be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “I am delighted by optimism, the good word, the kind word.” {Muslim #2224}

Khaythamah reported: Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (may ALLĀH be pleased with him) said, “I swear by the One Who there is nothing worthy of worship but HIM, a believing servant is not given anything better than good thoughts about ALLĀH Almighty. I swear by the One Who there is nothing worthy of worship but HIM,  a servant does not improve his opinion of ALLĀH Almighty except that ALLĀH will give him what he assumes. That is because all good is in HIS hands.”

{H‌usn al-Z‌an Billa‌h #83}

It is upon us to have good expectations regarding ALLĀH, trust in HIM, and be patient for HIS favor. The One whose command when HE intends a thing is “Kun (Be)” and it is, is trustworthy in HIS promise. Only HE brings good and wards off evil. HE acts with wisdom, gives ease after hardship, grants to be thanked, and tests to know those who are patient.