Which verses in the Quran emphasize hope in God's mercy?

In the profound and luminous teachings of the Holy Quran, the concept of "hope in God's mercy" stands as one of the most fundamental pillars of faith and a source of spiritual tranquility and steadfastness for humanity. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the boundless expanse of Divine mercy, urging believers never to despair of this endless ocean of grace. This hope is not merely a psychological state; it is a practical principle that assists individuals on the path of servitude, repentance, and striving for self-improvement. This life-giving message serves as a beacon for those who find themselves drowned in the abyss of sins or grappling with overwhelming difficulties, feeling that there is no way back or no way out. The Quran, with a paternal and compassionate tone, reminds them that the divine door is always open, and no sin is too great to be forgiven, nor is any problem too insoluble to lack a breakthrough from God. One of the most prominent verses in this regard is Surah Az-Zumar (39:53), which addresses sinful servants with a tone full of love and compassion: "Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'" This verse clearly proclaims that even those who have committed grave sins and wronged themselves excessively should not lose hope in God's forgiveness. The phrase "transgressed against themselves" indicates the universality of this message, extending to all people regardless of the extent or nature of their sins, whether minor or major. Allah emphasizes in this verse that "He forgives all sins," which highlights the peak of His mercy and forgiveness and assures that the path to repentance is closed to no one. The attributes "Al-Ghafur" (the All-Forgiving) and "Ar-Rahim" (the Especially Merciful) mentioned at the end of the verse confirm that divine mercy and forgiveness have an unending source and are always ready to embrace repentant servants. Another verse emphasizing this concept is Surah Yusuf (12:87), narrated through the words of Prophet Ya'qub (Jacob) to his sons: "O my sons, go and find out about Joseph and his brother and do not despair of the relief of Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of the relief of Allah except the disbelieving people." This verse shows that despairing of Allah's mercy is, in fact, a characteristic of disbelievers and those who are misguided, as disbelievers lack faith in God's power and mercy and perceive the world as limited to its apparent realities. Believers, however, even in the midst of extreme hardship and apparent hopelessness, must hold onto hope for divine relief and ease. "Rauḥ Allah" (روح الله) here means relief, comfort, and special divine grace that comes from God and transforms lives. The story of Prophet Ya'qub, who suffered for years in separation from Joseph yet never lost his hope, symbolizes this steadfastness in optimism and reliance on divine grace, which ultimately led to reunion and peace. Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hijr (15:56), we read: "He said, 'And who despairs of the mercy of his Lord except those astray?'" This verse also clearly states that despairing of God's mercy is a sign of misguidance and deviation from the right path. This verse, with its rhetorical and condemnatory tone, questions the place of despair in faith and attributes it to those who are astray. A true believer is one who keeps the light of hope alive in their heart under all circumstances, even when facing the greatest challenges and mistakes, knowing that the path of return and rectification is always open. Hope in God's mercy has various dimensions that extend beyond a fleeting emotion. This hope gives individuals the courage to resist the devil's temptations to make them despair of repentance and return to God. Many people, due to the misconception that their sins are too great to ever be forgiven, give up on repentance, and this itself is a major trap laid by Satan to keep humans away from the right path. However, the Quran, by emphasizing God's vast mercy, refutes this temptation and declares that there is no door of hope except the door of Allah, and He accepts all those who repent. This hope also helps individuals in facing life's adversities and problems. When a person encounters major challenges, whether illness, poverty, loss of loved ones, or repeated failures, the hope for divine relief and His mercy, which can untangle any knot, saves them from spiritual collapse and empowers them to continue their efforts with perseverance and trust in God. This hope in divine mercy does not mean abandoning effort and piety or simply resigning oneself to fate, but rather believing that God does not let sincere efforts go to waste and always opens a path to salvation and ease, desiring the good and welfare of His servants. This hope instills in humans the strength not to succumb to problems and to look at the future with a positive outlook. In Islamic culture, there has always been an emphasis on balancing "Khawf" (fear of divine punishment) and "Raja'" (hope in divine mercy). A true believer is one who is neither so confident in God's mercy as to become audacious in sin and transgress divine limits, nor so fearful of His punishment as to despair of His mercy and deem oneself unworthy of salvation. These two wings, fear and hope, guide a person on the path of moderation and proper servitude, preventing extremes. Fear prevents rebellion and sin, making one cautious against committing transgressions, while hope prevents despair and hopelessness, encouraging one to strive, repent, and reform. It is this balance that makes faith dynamic and life meaningful. Ultimately, hope in God's mercy means a deep conviction that God is Ar-Rahman (the Most Gracious, giving to all in this world), Ar-Rahim (the Most Merciful, especially to believers in the Hereafter), Al-Ghafur (the All-Forgiving), Al-Wadud (the Most Loving), and Al-Kareem (the Most Generous). He who is the Creator of all things is kinder and more compassionate to His servants than anyone else, and He desires their well-being. He always keeps the doors of repentance and return open and promises forgiveness to those who turn to Him and regret their sins, calling them back to Him. This hope is a guiding light that illuminates the path of life and provides guidance in darkness, soothing hearts. Therefore, true believers never despair of the boundless grace and mercy of Allah and always step towards Him with hearts full of hope, for they know that every hardship has an end and every darkness leads to light, and that Allah's mercy always precedes His wrath, and He is All-Hearing and All-Knowing of the state of His servants. This is a fundamental principle in the Quranic worldview that gives believers strength and motivation to rely on divine grace and generosity in all circumstances and to calmly continue on the path of servitude and closeness to God, always taking firm steps in the way of His pleasure.