Hope in the Holy Quran and Psychology: A Comparative Study

Abstract

         This study, through a comparative study, aims to define and analyze the concept of hope in the Quran versus psychology. The study identifies common and differentiated methods for increasing hope, and a suitable approach can be followed to instill and increase hope in individuals based on Quranic lessons. One of the notable findings of this study is that many solutions for creating and increasing hope are already present in the Quran, and that there are many common elements between the findings of psychology and divine teachings. It was concluded that both psychology and the Quran consider hope as a means to achieving one's goal, and both agree that knowing one's goal is one of the means of maintaining hope in a person. Some differences were also found, namely that hope in the Quran is based on the purpose behind human creation and is aligned with perfection, the foundation of which is faith in God Almighty. In psychology, the techniques proposed for enhancing hope are largely individual, whereas the Quran aims to suggest behavioral approaches on a societal scale in addition to individual solutions..