What is the meaning of Ibn Abbas's statement that the verse: "Have you not believed? He said: Yes, but that my heart may be at ease" is more hopeful to him than the verse: "Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves'," and what is meant by "more hopeful," and what is the reason for his saying that?

"Raja'" (hope) is the opposite of despair. "Arja" indicates an exaggeration of it. The most hopeful verse, according to Ibn Abbas, is "And when Ibrahim said, 'My Lord, show me how You give life to the dead'" because it indicates that faith is sufficient without the need for further inquiry. Allah was pleased with Ibrahim's saying "Yes," and this is due to what occurs in the souls and what Satan whispers. This makes it more hopeful in his view than the verse from Surah Az-Zumar which speaks of the forgiveness of sins.