Hope is like a bright light. Its main purpose is to remove darkness.

Every 24 hours, night gives way to day. For many, the night passes quickly when they look forward to tomorrow and plan for what lies ahead.

But for those who feel they have nothing meaningful to anticipate, the night can feel unbearably long. In the end, whether we face each new day with hope or without it remains a personal choice.

Some people ask, “Is there any hope left in this troubled world?” It is easy to feel overwhelmed when focusing solely on the darker realities around us — poverty, human suffering, abuses of power, greed, cruelty, hatred, anger, war, and bloodshed.

These harsh truths can make hope seem distant.

Yet the world also holds countless stories of compassion and courage. There are people who care deeply for one another, who work tirelessly for peace and human rights, who give generously, and who strive every day to build a better future.

When we choose to see these acts of kindness and perseverance, hope becomes visible again.

Ultimately, hope is not something the world gives or withholds. It is something we choose — by deciding where to place our attention and what kind of world we believe is possible.

What can we do as Muslims in this troublesome world? Should we lose hope or should we practice hope? Let us find the answer in Allah’s Guidance in the Quran:

يَـٰبَنِىَّ ٱذْهَبُوا۟ فَتَحَسَّسُوا۟ مِن يُوسُفَ وَأَخِيهِ وَلَا تَا۟يْـَٔسُوا۟ مِن رَّوْحِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يَا۟يْـَٔسُ مِن رَّوْحِ ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلْقَوْمُ ٱلْكَـٰفِرُونَ ٨٧

O my sons! Go and search (diligently) for Joseph and his brother. And do not lose hope in the mercy of Allah, for no one loses hope in Allah’s mercy except those with no faith.”

[Quran 12: 87]

What are the main points in the above verse regarding hope?  They are:

Make effort: Do not lose your hearts, and do not feel worried, but continue to overcome the challenges by placing your TRUST IN ALLAH. Our active role saves us from hopelessness because we look forward to good results from Allah from our efforts.

Never be hopeless: Believers are tested with challenges and how can they pass the test if they become hopeless. They must have strong faith in Allah to pass the tests, with strong hope that Allah will help them. Therefore, hope is part of their faith (Iman).

Hopelessness is prohibited: With this order of Allah, believers should get rid of any hopelessness in their hearts. Their duty is to continue their duties to establish fairness, justice, human rights, and peace in this world, and for it, Allah will bestow HIS help and mercy on them. So, believers have nothing to worry.

Besides, when believers hold on to the hope and make their efforts to overcome challenges, Allah makes their mission easier for them.

فَإِنَّ مَعَ ٱلْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا ٥ إِنَّ مَعَ ٱلْعُسْرِ يُسْرًۭا ٦

So, surely with hardship comes ease. Surely with (that) hardship comes (more) ease.

[Quran 94:5-6]