Despair is disbelief — and it is destruction for man.
Allah Almighty created man as the best of creations and provided guidance in every aspect of life. The Quran and Hadith command humans to remain connected to patience, hope, and Allah's mercy in every situation. To equate despair with disbelief is a very serious warning that tells us that losing hope in Allah's mercy is against the dignity of a believer.
Despair means: Losing hope in one's heart during a time of difficulty, pain, or failure and seeing no way for improvement. This state weakens a person, makes them pessimistic, and ungrateful. When a person loses faith in Allah's power and mercy, they gradually begin to lean towards disbelief.
Allah Almighty clearly states in the Holy Quran:
"And do not despair of the mercy of Allah, indeed, no one despairs of the mercy of Allah except the disbelieving people."
(Surah Yusuf: 87)
This verse not only condemns despair but also associates it with disbelief, meaning that the person who becomes hopeless of Allah's mercy actually denies Allah's attributes of mercy, power, and forgiveness.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) always instilled hope, no matter how difficult the situation was. In the Cave of Thawr, regarding the fear of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), he said:
> "Do not be sad, indeed Allah is with us."
"Do not grieve, surely Allah is with us."
(Surah At-Tawbah: 40)
These words teach us that instead of despairing, we should put our trust in Allah.
Due to despair, a person
Spiritually weakens, which leads a person to disobedience and even to the sinful act of suicide. This is what social isolation and inactivity create, distancing one from Allah.
A true believer remains hopeful of Allah's mercy in every situation. The one who repents, who prays, and who endures in hardship becomes beloved to Allah. Every difficulty in the world is a test, and after the test, ease is Allah's promise: > "So, indeed, with hardship [will be] ease."
"Indeed, with every difficulty there is ease."
Despair is not just a negative thought but a danger to faith. Allah's mercy is boundless; He forgives countless sins and can make every difficulty easy. Therefore, we should remain connected to Allah in every situation, adopt patience, gratitude, and prayer because: After the darkness of every night, the light of morning surely comes.
> Despair is disbelief — and faith is another name for hope. Through it, a person achieves success in this world and the Hereafter. O Allah, send blessings upon our master Muhammad and upon the family of our master Muhammad, and grant peace. Professor Rafiq Ahmed Laghari, Iqamat-e-Din Forum, Ali Law College, Thali Chowk, Rahim Yar Khan
