Words on hope al-Raja'
Words on hope (al-Raja')
All praise be to Allah and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Hope or Raja' is one of the pillars of worship which is based on love, fear and hope. It is one of the greatest acts of the heart which is mentioned abundantly in the texts of the Shari'ah [Qur'an and Sunnah] and its doers are praised.
Evidence from the Qur'an
Allah Almighty says:
"Those whom they call upon [like 'Iesa (Jesus) son of Maryam (Mary), 'Uzair (Ezra), angel, etc.] desire (for themselves) means of access to their Lord (Allâh), as to which of them should be the nearest and they ['Iesa (Jesus), 'Uzair (Ezra), angels, etc.] hope for His Mercy and fear His Torment" [Al-Isra': 57].
Desiring the means to get near to Allah is attained through worshiping and loving Him. Therefore, Allah mentioned the three pillars of faith: love, fear and hope.
He Almighty says: "Whoever hopes for the Meetingwith Allah, then Allâh's Term is surely coming" [Al-'Inkabut: 5].
"…all these hope for Allâh's Mercy. And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful" [Al-Baqara: 218].
Evidence from Sunnah
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "None of you should dies until he thinks well of his Lord" [Muslim].
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also said in the Quddsi hadith: "Allah Exalted be He says: "I am to My servant as he thinks of Me, so, let him think of Me in the way he wishes".
Quotes on al-Raja':
- It is said that al-Raja' directs and paves the way for the hearts towards Allah and the Hereafter.
- It is the glad tidings of the grace of Allah, Exalted be He, and seeking His Generosity.
- It is certainty of the existence of One Lord.
- It is the aspiration to get Allah's mercy that encompasses everything.