Allah has designed the worldly life as a preparation for the Hereafter, rather than solely for comfort and pleasure. Consequently, Allah hasn't destined anyone to experience only happiness throughout their life. Even the happiest individuals must endure moments of suffering, and the healthy ones will occasionally fall ill. Here happiness is mixed with sadness; health is mixed with illness; tears are mixed with joy. However, since the goal of a believer is the Hereafter, the sorrows and sufferings of this life are not a matter of great concern for him. In exchange for the hardships of this life, he will get the eternal peace of Jannah in the Hereafter. The Qur'an has repeatedly drawn the attention of the believers towards this matter. Whenever a believer faces any suffering, the Quran encourages him to think about the Hereafter instead of this worldly existence.

These days, we go through many frustrations and regrets every day. Sometimes we even feel despair in our mind. Fortunately, the Holy Quran offers numerous teachings and guidance within its verses. Below, we'll mention some of them along with brief explanatory notes."

In this subject, the story of Hadhrat Yaqub (A.S.) can be mentioned first. He lost his beloved son Yusuf (A.S.) when Yusuf (A.S.) was very young. He spent most of his life waiting for Yusuf (A.S.). Even in his old age, Yaqub (A.S.) did not lose hope of reuniting with Yusuf (A.S.). However,   in his old age, he lost another son Binyamin.  In such a difficult situation, he said:

قَالَ اِنَّمَاۤ اَشْكُوْا بَثِّيْ وَ حُزْنِيْۤ اِلَي اللهِ وَ اَعْلمُ مِنَ اللهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُوْنَ, يٰبَنِيَّ ذْهَبُوْا فَتَحَسَّسُوْا مِنْ يُّوْسُف َ وَ اَخِيْهِ وَ لَا تَائَْسُوْا مِنْ رَّوْحِ اللهِ اِنَّهٗ لَا َايْـَٔسُ مِنْ رَّوْحِ اللهِ اِلَّا الْقَوْمُ الْكٰفِرُوْنَ.
“I do not complain of my anguish and sorrow to anyone but Allah. And I know from Allah what you do not know. O my sons! Go and search for Yusuf and his brother. Do not lose hope in Allah's mercy. In fact, only those who disbelieve lose hope in Allah's mercy.”
[Surah Yusuf (12): 86-87]

This incident highlights the importance of maintaining hope in Allah's mercy, even amidst the most challenging situations. One should always hold onto the belief in Allah's mercy and have faith that, In-Sha-Allah, all difficulties will eventually be eased. Even if these challenges persist, anxiety should not take hold, for Allah will reward them abundantly in the Hereafter. It's essential to recognize that what may seem unfavorable in the moment might actually be beneficial for us, and what appears favorable might not be in our best interest. As stated in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah the Exalted has said:

كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْقِتَالُ وَ هُوَ كُرْهٌ لَّكُمْ  وَ عَسٰۤي اَنْ تَكْرَهُوْا شَيْـئا وَّ هُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ  وَ عَسٰۤي اَنْ تُحِبُّوْا شَيْـئا وَّ هُوَ شَرٌّ لَّكُمْ   وَ اللهُ يَعْلَمُ وَ اَنْتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُوْنَ.
“War is enjoined upon you (with the enemy). It is very possible that you consider a thing evil, while for you it is good and beneficial. And it is also possible that you like a thing, while it is bad and harmful for you. And Allah knows, you do not know.”
[Surah Baqarah (2): 226]

This verse provides a clear guidance on what we should do in the depressing situations of our daily lives. If we keep this verse before us, our worldly life can be full of peace and happiness.

If despair comes because of sins or neglect of the Hereafter, even then one cannot lose hope in Allah’s mercy. Allah is the Most Merciful, and the Most Forgiving. His capacity for forgiveness extends to all sins. Allah declares:

قُلْ يٰعِبَادِيَ الَّذِيْنَ اَسْرَفُوْا عَلٰۤي اَنْفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوْا مِنْ رَّحْمَةِ اللهِ   اِنَّ اللهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوْبَ جَمِيْعًا   اِنَّهٗ هُوَ الْغَفُوْرُ الرَّحِيْمُ.
Say, “O my slaves, who have transgressed against their own selves, do not despair of Allah's mercy. Surely, Allah forgives all sins. Surely He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.”
[Surah Jumar (39): 53]

In times of despair, several other verses can provide relief and ease our minds. These verses reveal Allah's Sunnah—His flawless governance of the world.  Consistently keeping these verses in mind can bring about a sense of tranquility in our hearts, even in times of extreme depression, In-Sha-Allah.

Amidst challenges, let us remind ourselves that every difficulty comes with a corresponding ease. Allah states:

فَاِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا،  اِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا..
Undoubtedly, along with the hardship, there is ease.
Surely, along with the hardship, there is ease.
[Surah Inshirah (94): 5-6]

When and how relief will come; when and how dangers will be removed –it is predestined by Allah. Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala’s measures encompass everything in the universe. Thus, one should not be hasty in it. Neither happiness nor danger is everlasting; their durations are predetermined by Allah's decree. Whether one understands it or not, he must believe that it is useful for me. If one surrenders himself before the decision of Allah in this way, Allah will fill his heart with peace and calmness. This is the gist of the following verses:

مَاۤ اَصَابَ مِنْ مُّصِيْبَةٍ فِي الْاَرْضِ وَ لَا فِيْۤ اَنْفُسِكُمْ اِلَّا فِيْ كِتٰبٍ مِّنْ قَبْلِ اَنْ نَّبْرَاَهَا   اِنَّ ذٰلِكَ عَلَي اللهِ يَسِيْرٌ، لِّكَيْلَا تَاْسَوْا عَلٰي مَا فَاتَكُمْ وَ لَا تَفْرَحُوْا بِمَاۤ اٰتٰىكُمْ   وَ اللهُ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخْتَالٍ فَخُوْرِ..
“No calamity befalls on the earth or in your selves, but it is inscribed in the book of decrees before we bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allah in order that you may not grieve at things that you fail to get, nor rejoice over that which has been given to you. Allah does not like a person who is prideful and boaster.”
[Surah Hadid (57): 22-23]

مَاۤ اَصَابَ مِنْ مُّصِيْبَةٍ اِلَّا بِاِذْنِ اللهِ   وَ مَنْ يُّؤْمِنْۢ بِاللهِ يَهْدِ قَلْبَهٗ   وَ اللهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيْمٌ.
“No calamity befalls (one) but with the leave of Allah. Whoever believes in Allah, Allah guides his heart. Allah is all-knowing about everything.”
[Surah Taghabun (64): 11]

وَ مَنْ يَّتَّقِ اللهَ يَجْعَلْ لَّهٗ مَخْرَجًا، وَّ يَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ   وَ مَنْ يَّتَوَكَّلْ عَلَي اللهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهٗ   اِنَّ اللهَ بَالِغُ اَمْرِهٖ   قَدْ جَعَلَ اللهُ لِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدْرًا.
“Whoever fears Allah, Allah will make a way for him to get out from the crisis. And He will grant him sustenance from sources he never could imagine. Whoever relies on Allah, Allah is Sufficient for him. Surely, Allah will accomplish His purpose. (Indeed) Allah has fixed a measure for everything.”
[Surah Talaq (65): 3]

During times of hopelessness, if we hold onto these verses, turn to Allah in prayer, seek guidance from teachers, mentors, parents, and well-wishers, our despair will certainly transform into hope. This transition can serve as an opportunity to draw closer to Allah.