Session 5: Hope and Horizons
Chair: Whitney Bauman

The Phenomenology of Hope
Tanim Laila
Chief Coordinator, Institute of Hazrat Mohammad (SAW), Dhaka, Bangladesh

Hope is a characteristic that is intrinsic in the minds of all human beings; consequently, human beings are able to express and communicate hope in a manner that is unique to other beings. The profound prevalence of Hope in man allows them to strive for survival in dire circumstances. Hope implies a certain level of perseverance. Often in a crisis, communities who are of a certain Faith, religion or spiritual guidance apply their hope in the Divine to find peace and calmness. Human history has unfolded major success of leaders, communities and individuals: none of which would have been possible without the trace of Hope in those accomplishments. Hope has the power to heal and it guides man through trials and tribulations and gives a sense of optimism in the midst of darkness.
This paper attempts to define and elaborate the concept of hope and its many dimensions. It will discuss the sources of hope that human beings are inclined towards. Through examples, it will aim to illustrate how hope gives a sense of profound meaning to life and existence and displays its contrasting exceptionality with other beings.

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Phenomenology of Hope and Despair from Qur’anic Perspective
Noor Mohammad Osmani
Department of Qur’an and Sunnah Studies, International Islamic University Malaysia, Gombak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Hope is an intrinsic value towards success, victory, enthusiasm, and positive attitude in life. It is the main driving force that leads a man to constant hope and striving for excellence. Despair, on the other hand, turns off the rays of hope and optimism and keeps one constantly lagging behind. It perishes the victims from the inner roots.
Al-Qur’an, the Holy Book for all Muslims, sheds lights on the issue and urges one to be optimistic. It warns of severe punishments for persistent criminals and sinners; while, on the other, shedding rays of hope for Divine mercy and forgiveness to the repentant. The Qur’an condemns the phenomenon of despair outright. It is only attributed to the deviant and non-believers.
The Qur’an relates hope with belief in Allah and religion, and despair with disbelief and atheism. (Qur’an 12: 87, 15: 56) It is the non-believers alone that quickly turn to despair and hopelessness. He collapses during calamities and adversaries. It is the irony of humans that when affluent, turn out to be proud, and during adversaries get collapsed and loose all hopes, leading sometimes to suicide. (Qur’an 11: 9)
The present research would therefore aim to provide a clear picture of hope and despair from Qur’anic perspective. How does the Qur’an instill hope in the minds of common people, regardless of their religions. What are the qualities of the people who are optimistic and have a positive attitude in life? What about those pessimistic and hopeless? This original research would focus on the Qur’anic ayat as the primary reference, and also to the traditions of all Prophets, the examples of the rightly guided people as the secondary source.
The research is expected to instill some rays of hope in the minds of readers, and through their implementation would help them turn out as optimistic and positive human being.

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