Is it a sin to lose hope as a Muslim?

What the Quran warns against

The Quran is clear that losing hope in Allah's mercy is not the way of a believer:

These verses talk about deciding that Allah won't forgive you or help you: a settled belief that His mercy is closed. That's what scholars count as a major sin.

Feelings vs. beliefs

Feeling low, empty or stuck is different. Prophet Yaqub cried until his eyes turned white, yet he said, "I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah" (Quran 12:86). He felt deep pain and still kept turning to Allah. If depression makes hope hard to feel, you're not sinning. See Can I have depression and still have strong iman? And if you're angry or confused, see Is it a sin to feel angry at Allah?

Think well of Allah

Allah says in a hadith qudsi, "I am as My servant thinks of Me" (Sahih al-Bukhari 7405). The Prophet ﷺ also said no one should die except while thinking well of Allah (Sahih Muslim 2877). Hope is something you can practice, even when you don't feel it yet:

• Remind yourself of past times Allah got you through.
• Keep praying, even short and tired prayers.
• Keep asking. See Why isn't Allah answering my dua?
• Spend time with people who lift you up.

If you feel like giving up on life

If hopelessness turns into thoughts of ending your life, please reach out today: call a crisis line, your doctor, or emergency services. Getting help is not a lack of faith; it's taking the means Allah gave you.