‘The Law of Attraction’, from an Islamic point of view

Every now and then, i get emails, suggestions, and comments from people who present me with topics to write about, comment on, or simply to check something. A couple of days ago, someone forwarded me the ‘Secret’ film documentary, and asked if i would watch it and see what i thought of the concept. Which essentially talks about the idea of ‘The law of Attraction’. Briefly, for those who don’t know, The ‘laws of attraction’ is as follows (in its most crudest form).

The law of attraction is the name given to the belief that “like attracts like” and that by focusing on positive or negative thoughts, one can bring about positive or negative results. For example, if a person opened an envelope expecting to see a bill, then according to the law of attraction, the envelope would “confirm” those thoughts and contain a bill when opened. A person who decided to instead expect a cheque might, under the same law, find a cheque instead of a bill

‘Like attracts to like’, is the key concept here. We live in a vibrational universe. All the matter that we see before us, our bodies, the trees, seas, the houses we live in, etc. Is actually, just empty space and not as solid as it seems to be. Science has already proven this to be the case. With 99.99 percent of research pointing towards this direction. All the things we assume to be solid, are actually only vibrating in and out. Phasing in and out of other dimensional existence. (trust me, although it sounds gibberish, its true.) it is an integral part of the ‘Quantum Physics Theory’. This is a leading field of knowledge within the scientific community, now being researched more vigorously than ever before.

Now, ‘the laws of attraction’ says, if we live in a vibrational universe, and our own bodies are constantly sending out vibrations into the universe we can engage with it, in order to live a happier and healthier life. To do this, human’s have to learn how to tune into their thoughts. The way to manifest with one’s intention is to create a visualization of what you desire in your mind. Creating a feeling that you already have that product/house/money etc. So, if you want your dream house, you simply create an image of it in your mind and then experience living in it. As if you already have it. You imagine all the joy, the satisfaction and the pleasures of living in it. The more you let your self experience this, the more you will attract that reality to you. Because, you will become a vibrational match for that existence. The good emotions have a high frequency, and the bad emotions a low-frequency. This is why, you feel down when in a bad mood or happy and elated in a good mood. The universe will shape itself around your vibration, and sooner or later your dream will manifest. In essence, things will fall into place, and eventually the result you want will happen. The power of our emotions and thoughts shaping our own future.
Now, whether you believe it or not, it’s up to you. The fact of the matter is, from an Islāmic point of view, the laws of attraction, and the theory behind it has strong resemblance to the science of Tassawuff, salahtul istikharah and Islāmic teachings in general. The similarities are blindingly obvious! For instance, the first idea that,

‘We live in a vibrational universe, and that everything around us is not solid but in fact empty space. Coming in and out of existence from another dimension’.

Islamically, we know that the attribute of Allah, ‘Al Kaliq’ (the creator) does not mean he created the universe and then he became known as ‘Al kaliq’. Or, that, he attained the quality of being ‘Al Kaliq’ once he had created the universe. But, in actuality ‘Al kaliq’ means; ‘the one who constantly creates and brings into existence’. Every second of our existence Allah is constantly creating, or, ‘bringing into existence’ our bodies, the environment around us, and all the ‘matter’ we know. It is only now the scientific community in the fields of Quantum Physics, and the ‘law of attraction’ are beginning to entertain this idea. We are not solid matter, but empty space, constantly vibrating coming in and out of existence. The law of attraction says

‘creation is always happening’.

Secondly, i find it amazing to see how the concept of ‘the laws of attraction’ ties in nicely with the concept of salahtul istikharah. (The prayer of help). It is as if, the prophet (sallahualihiwasalam) taught us ‘the laws of attraction 14 and a half centuries ago. We know salahtul istikharah is a prayer done when a believer wishes to embark on an idea, or do something. The prophet (sallahualihiwasalam) taught us, to do this special prayer and then relay on Allah. If the thing you wish is good for you, it will come to you. Things will fall into place and eventually, your aspiration, or dream will become reality. This is what ‘the law of attraction’ basically teaches. – Focus on your intention of want, use your emotions to experience it, and this will help you to attract that vibrational pull towards you. Things will fall into place and the universe will shape itself towards your positive vibrational pull.

Thirdly, in the science of Tassawuff, we are taught how to negate the bad thoughts and only entertain the positive thoughts. which will enable us to lead a more prosperous life, free from the satanic tempting and whispers. The underlying theme which runs through ‘the laws of attraction’, touches on it as well. Using our positive thoughts as fuel to power our engines of emotions and freeing the mind from negative thoughts. For instance, if some wakes up thinking he will be late for work. He will actually be late for work. If he changes his mind and thinks he will not be late focusing on the thought, then he wont be late. The thoughts actually have the power to change this. It’s that straight forward. Thoughts become things. If you think about something over and over again, it will become reality. Murakabah (meditation) teaches us, to think over and over about Allah, and that, we are in his presence. So, eventually we live a life with the presence of Allah constantly in our minds.

Fourthly, as a moral and Islāmic teaching we know Allah (swt) says,

“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor];

– Al Quran (14:7)
Again this concept runs through ‘the laws of attraction’. It says, for your day to start on a positive mood, and for that (thought) to actualize into reality. You must begin your day by being grateful for all the things you have. If you do this, the universe will reciprocate. As the vibrational frequency will be strong enough to multiply this ‘good mood’ for you, throughout your day. Many people wake up feeling tired, and distraught. With worries and concerns on their minds. This then propels them to have a bad day. Where as if someone wakes up being grateful for having another day to live, to eat, drink, and enjoy family. His day will turn out to be good and happy. Even if he has no love in his life, no family, no friends or support. He will end up receiving love.

Ultimately, whatever these ‘new-age theories’ are coming out with. There are strong similarities to the truth of Islam which can be seen within the fabric of these ideas. Science and most of the other things which people have taken up as the religions’ of our times. Slowly but surely, are in the end, pointing towards one thing. The divinely revealed laws and religion of Islam. Its teachings and morals, its ethics and standards.

‘And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]’. Al Quran (14:7)