Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Blend in the molasses until smooth.

Stir in the beaten eggs and beat well to combine.

In a separate small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the hot water.

Stir the dissolved baking soda mixture into the molasses mixture.

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves.

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the molasses mixture until well blended.

Fold in the raisins (optional).

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let cool in the pan for a few minutes before cutting into squares and serving.