The concept of Prophetic glad tidings in Islam plays a vital role in planting hope and certainty in the hearts of believers. How beautiful is the word “Absher” (receive glad tidings) when it descends upon a thirsty heart waiting for relief and clinging to hope. The teachings of our faith beautifully highlight this, as Allah Almighty tasked His noble Prophet with the mission of delivering these glad tidings, as stated in the Holy Quran:
“O Prophet, indeed We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner. And one who invites to Allah, by His permission, and an illuminating lamp. And give good tidings to the believers that they will have a great bounty from Allah.” [Al-Ahzab: 45-47].
These Prophetic glad tidings were not merely passing words; rather, they established a profound Islamic way of life designed to instill optimism and motivate righteous action.
Early Prophetic Glad Tidings: The Foundation of Dominion and Success
Delivering glad tidings accompanied Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from the very beginning of his call. He promised vast dominion and abundant good to those who believed in Allah Almighty as their Lord. Speaking to his closest relatives, he said: “I do not possess for you any portion from Allah or any share in the Hereafter unless you say ‘There is no deity but Allah.’ If you do, I will bear witness for you before your Lord, the Arabs will submit to you, and the non-Arabs will yield to you.”[1]
When he ﷺ approached the tribes calling them to Islam, he offered glad tidings of success in both this world and the Hereafter: “O people, say ‘There is no deity but Allah’ and you will succeed, you will rule the Arabs by it, the non-Arabs will yield to you, and if you believe, you will be kings in Paradise.”[2]
1. Glad Tidings for Monotheists: The Key to Paradise
The delivery of good news continued for those who embraced monotheism with sincerity and certainty. Narrated by Anas, the Prophet ﷺ said to Mu’adh: “Know that whoever dies bearing witness that there is no deity but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, truthfully from his heart, will enter Paradise.”[3] This reinforces that the ultimate reward of Paradise awaits those whose tongues sincerely express the faith held in their hearts.
2. Glad Tidings for Righteous Workers: Rejoice in the Immense Reward
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gave glad tidings of immense reward to those striving to achieve true servitude to Allah. He ﷺ stated: “Indeed, the religion is easy, and no one will overstep the limits of religion except that it will overcome him. So, do the right thing, try to get as close to perfection as possible, rejoice (in glad tidings), and seek help in the morning, the evening, and a part of the night.”
This serves as a beacon of hope for diligent Muslims. Whether they temporarily falter or successfully reach their spiritual goals, their sincere intentions and consistent efforts to conquer their egos are rewarded. Allah has prepared a great recompense for this dedication, which the Prophet ﷺ left unspecified because its majesty is beyond human description.
3. Finding Hope During Crises: A Light in the Darkness
The true importance of Prophetic glad tidings becomes most apparent during times of distress and adversity. When circumstances darken, the light of these tidings provides the soul with spiritual sustenance and positive energy. When the Companions complained to the Prophet ﷺ about the persecution they faced, he assured them that fear would vanish and security would prevail: “By Allah, He will complete this matter until a rider will travel from Sana’a to Hadhramaut fearing none but Allah, or a wolf regarding his sheep, but you are being hasty.”[4]
4. Glad Tidings for the People of Wisdom and Intellect
Among Allah’s greatest blessings is the gift of wisdom, allowing a person to distinguish between the good and the best. The Quran offers glad tidings to such individuals:
“So give good tidings to My servants, Who listen to speech and follow the best of it. Those are the ones Allah has guided, and those are people of understanding.” [Az-Zumar: 17-18].
Scholars note that Allah praises these critical thinkers because they deeply analyze evidence and distinguish between guidance and misguidance.[5] While some people seek out religious opinions merely to satisfy their desires, true servants of Allah listen with ultimate focus, asking for divine guidance and willingly submitting their hearts and actions to the absolute truth.
5. Comfort for the Sick and Afflicted: Expiation of Sins
The trial of illness weighs heavily on the human soul. The Prophetic guidance for dealing with hardship in Islam revolves around delivering glad tidings of approaching relief and divine reward for patience. Narrated by Umm Al-Alaa: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ visited me while I was sick and said: ‘Rejoice, O Umm Al-Alaa, for the illness of a Muslim is used by Allah to remove his sins, just as fire removes the impurities of gold and silver.[6]
6. Glad Tidings for the Islamic Ummah: Victory and Empowerment
Providing hope for the collective future, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Give glad tidings to this Ummah of brilliance, elevation, victory, and establishment in the land. So whoever among them does the work of the Hereafter for worldly gain, will have no share in the Hereafter.”[7]
Even when the Islamic Ummah faces hardship and frailty, its recovery is promised through adherence to the Quran and Sunnah. Whenever the community suffers a loss, its inherent resilience awakens, and Allah continuously raises successors to guide the ummah toward goodness.
“Give Glad Tidings and Do Not Alienate”: The Prophetic Method of Da’wah
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ loved to spread optimism and commanded his companions to do the same. Before sending them on missions, he instructed: “Give glad tidings and do not alienate, make things easy and do not make things difficult.”[8]
This is a foundational methodology in Islamic Da’wah (preaching). It emphasizes highlighting Allah’s immense bounty and mercy, rather than alienating people through constant warnings. It is an approach designed to gently win over the hearts of new converts, the youth, and those repenting from sins, guiding them step by step toward obedience.[9]
The Companions’ Certainty in Prophetic Truth
The Companions possessed an unwavering trust in these Prophetic glad tidings. When calling Adi bin Hatim to Islam, the Prophet ﷺ promised: “O Adi bin Hatim, embrace Islam and you will be safe… soon, a traveling woman will journey from Al-Hira without protection until she circles the Kaaba; the treasures of Khosrau bin Hormuz will be opened for us; and wealth will flow until a man will worry about who will accept his wealth as charity.”
Years later, Adi bin Hatim confirmed witnessing the first two prophecies and swore by Allah that the third would undoubtedly occur because it was the word of the Prophet.[11] This profound trust was not blind; it was rooted in deep contemplation of divine revelation and its absolute credibility.
Good Expectations of Allah: The Ultimate Key to Action and Hope
True optimism belongs to the people of certainty—those who know their Lord through the Quran, the Sunnah, and human history. They understand that all good rests in Allah’s hands and that human beings are ultimately dependent upon Him.
The more we study the Sunnah, the more we discover glad tidings that fill the believer’s heart with hope. These are not empty illusions meant merely to help us endure crises; they are concrete truths that motivate Muslims to work tirelessly, cooperate in righteousness, and look toward the future with a positive mindset.
Today, we desperately need these true Prophetic glad tidings to bear life’s burdens and overcome grinding crises. No matter the trials faced or the personal shortcomings endured, believers with sincere intentions continue to rejoice in Allah’s boundless grace, fully confident that Allah never allows the reward of the righteous to be lost.
By Mohamed Attia
