Don’t Ruin Your Mind With Pessimism:

Pessimism, an attitude of hopelessness toward life and toward existence, coupled with a vague general opinion that pain and evil predominate in the world. It is derived from the Latin pessimus (“worst”).

Pessimism is the antithesis of optimism — an attitude of general hopefulness, coupled with the view that there is a balance of good and pleasure in the world.

To describe an attitude as pessimistic need not, however, mean that it involves no hope at all. It may locate its objects of hope and of appraisal in a region beyond ordinary experience and existence. It may also direct such hope and appraisal to the complete cessation and cancelling of existence.

Those who suffer From pessimism clearly experience a sense of loneliness and suspicion when dealing with others. As a result of such unsatisfactory situations these people destroy their abilities to develop and advance; hence, destining themselves to an unwanted life. In light of these Facts, pessimism is Found to be a main Factor in suicide.

Islam Sees Optimism As A Strength And Pessimism As A Sin:

As For pessimism, this leads a person into thinking evil of his Lord, which was the belief of the people during Jahiliyyah. Due to these reasons, the Prophet (saw) forbade us from being pessimistic by saying: “No pessimism.”

Our Survival And Wellness Require A Balance Between Optimism And Pessimism:

Undue pessimism makes life miserable; however, excessive optimism can lead to dangerously risky behaviors. A review and synthesis of the literature on the neurophysiology subserving these two worldviews suggests that optimism and pessimism are differentially associated with the two cerebral hemispheres.

High self-esteem, a cheerful attitude that tends to look at the positive aspects of a given situation, as well as an optimistic belief in a bright future are associated with physiological activity in the left-hemisphere (LH). In contrast, a gloomy viewpoint — an inclination to Focus on the negative part and exaggerate its significance, low self-esteem as well as a pessimistic view on what the Future holds are interlinked with neurophysiological processes in the right-hemisphere (RH).

This hemispheric asymmetry in mediating optimistic and pessimistic outlooks is rooted in several biological and functional differences between the two hemispheres. The RH mediation of a watchful and inhibitive mode weaves a sense of insecurity that generates and supports pessimistic thought patterns.

Conversely, the LH mediation of an active mode and the positive Feedback it receives through its motor dexterity breed a sense of confidence in one’s ability to manage life’s challenges, and optimism about the Future.

Being Pessimistic About Others:

O’ you who have true faith! Keep away from all sorts of conjecture since surely some types of conjecture may lead to sin. In addition, do not spy on and do not back-bite one another. Do any of you (who back-bite) love to eat the flesh of your dead brother? Rather, you detest this act, therefore have consciousness of Allah. Certainly Allah is the One who is Oft-Turning to you in Repentance, Merciful. (49:12).

In this verse, Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) has made it incumbent upon the Muslim community to observe three ethical principles which are classified as the necessary rights (of Islam) and are the essentials of Islamic Brotherhood and Religious Fellowship.

These three principles in summary are:

1. It is prohibited to have bad thoughts or be cynical of another Muslim.

2. A Muslim is not permitted to spy into the life of another Muslim.

3. It is forbidden to back-bite and talk bad about other Muslims behind their back.

We all know that the life, wealth and honour of a Muslim is sacred and any sort of encroachment to these are prohibited in Islam. However in this verse, another form of injustice upon the rights of a Muslim has been alluded to and it is says that: “The respect, honour and character of every Muslim – even in our thoughts and imagination and in making judgements in our mind (about that Muslim) must also be respected and revered.”

A Muslim is not permitted to cross the boundaries even in his mind in relation to the purity of another Muslim by harbouring bad thoughts or beliefs about him or her.

The Dangers Of Being Pessimistic About Others:

1. The first result of distrusting others will return back to the person who himself possess this trait, since a person who does not trust others will never be able to imagine that others can do things without any (hidden) motive.

Therefore, in addition to causing himself spiritual difficulties and putting his soul through troubles, one will lead a difficult life. Also, the burning and passion that are brought about through one’s imagination and thoughts will only increase the (mental) torture of a person.

2. Being pessimistic and not trusting other people also destroys the roots of friendship and harmony amongst people.

3.The person who is pessimistic and distrusts others will always be reclusive and will withdraw himself from others. Due to the fear and apprehension that he has for other people, he will never be able to be sociable with others.

“A person who does not correct his thoughts about other people, will always be frightened of every single person.”

Pessimism is a sickness that is also contagious such that even those people that a pessimist sits and associates with, will fall into the filth of this negative trait.

4. Not only does pessimism and distrust affect the soul of a person, rather since there is a direct correlation between the body and the soul, the body too will remain un-healthy.

In The Words Of The Famous Thinker,Dr. Alexis Carol Says —

“Being pessimistic and always Finding Faults in things also takes away from the life span of a person since this harmful habit affects the nerves of the body known as the sympatic nerves and the internal glands as well. This can be the commencement of other physical disorders including affecting the limbs and organs of the body.”

Islam is anchored in mercy, hope, and peace. It is through conversation with our Creator, in prayer and in reflecting on His words, that we find our place of comfort—as long as we remain conscientious in safeguarding these acts of worship from becoming mere empty rituals.

It was the practice of the Prophet ﷺ that, whenever he felt troubled, he instinctively sought relief and refuge in Allah through prayer.

He is reported to have said, “O Bilal, call iqamah for prayer: give us comfort by it.”

Allah Tells Us The Qur’an Is His Paramount Gift To Mankind, One That In And Of Itself Is Worth Rejoicing Over.

It is the place of refuge to return to daily For powerful and meaningful counsel From Allah. It brings with it mercy, guidance, relief and comfort For our hearts from doubt, confusion and worry—all of which are in reality the gift of pure and lasting optimism, a gift that ensures a good life while promising us an eternity that surpasses any and all expectations of this world.

The vast and Frequent descriptions of Paradise in the Qur’an and numerous verses of hope that leave no room For despair are in Fact distinguishing and critical Factors in Islamic doctrine that Further establish one’s purpose, direction and motivation to worship Allah, seek His pleasure and attain good.

O mankind, there has to come to you instruction from your Lord and healing for what is in the breast[s] and guidance and mercy for the believers. Say, “In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy – in that let them rejoice; it is better than what they accumulate.”

It is interesting to note that within the same passage Allah goes on to say that despite all that He continues to bless humanity with, most people remain ungrateful.

In this statement, we Find one of the key qualities of the Believer and the optimist — The one who acknowledges his/her blessings is likely to be appreciative of them and to feel contentment, in turn manifesting gratitude toward Allah in worship and obedience —

While the one who does not see any good in what he/she has been blessed with will naturally see the world as a place of difficulty and distress, and will Fail to recognize the source to turn to.

A similarity can be drawn here to the optimist’s seeing the glass as being half full while knowing and feeling confident that it will continue to be Filled, while the pessimist sees the glass as half empty with no hope of it ever being Filled.

And although these verses, at the time of Revelation, were addressed to the idol worshippers of Makkah, they remain as relevant today in that the vast majority of humanity still remains in pursuit of numerous idols, misguided in placing Faith, reliance, and even fear in others; From the people around them to numerous manmade ideologies and material things instead of in Allah Who is the ultimate source of all bounty.

Why Is Pessimism Toxic?

A Pessimistic Attitude Can Hurt Your Relationships. Having bad thoughts about people without any reason will also drag ones’ spouse, employees, workers and helpers around the house into committing treachery and crimes.

People who are chronically pessimistic often have a hard time Trusting other people — As a result, pessimists assume the worst in others, sometimes making unfair accusations and Fabricating things that support their pessimistic point of view.

The Islamic religion prohibits suspicion if decisive evidence doesn't exist.

The Messenger of Allah (saw) said:

"A Muslim is sacred to another Muslim: his blood, his property and (it is prohibited) for one to think negatively of another."

Ibn al-Qayyim (May Allah have mercy on him) said:

"Ward off the passing thought, for if you do not do that, it will become an idea. Ward off the idea, for if you do not do that it will become a desire. Then fight it, for if you do not do that it will become a resolve and ambition, and if you do not ward it off it will become an action. If you do not counter it with its opposite, it will become a habit, and then it will be difficult for you to get rid of it".

What we must do is resist these whispers and passing thoughts lest they take control and the problem become serious.

Keeping Company with Good People who will encourage you to do good, so that the devil will Find no way to reach the heart of the son of Adam — and keeping away From the company of evil people whom the devil uses as a means to reach the heart of the son of Adam.

If a person keeps company with good people — his mind will be Focused on their company and on what they are teaching him and advising him to do. But if he keeps company with evil people — his mind will be Focused on the Falsehood that he hears From them and that they encourage him to engage in.

I take Refuge in Allah (swt), From the (devil)shaitaan. I Repose my Faith in Allah(swt) and His Prophets " to ward off all evil thoughts while in Salaah and other times.

JazakAllah (May Allah reward you with goodness)for reading.

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