How can we practice manifestation according to Islam?

Question

Why does the concept of “manifestation” conflict with Islamic beliefs in divine decree and reliance on Allah?

Short Summary

The concept of “manifestation,” which suggests that one can bring about specific outcomes or desires through focused thinking or belief, contradicts core Islamic teachings. It is Allah alone who has the power to create and control the universe. The belief in manifestation undermines the principles of divine decree (Qadar) and reliance on Allah (Tawakkul). We as humans are subject to Allah’s will and make supplications (Dua) rather than relying on our own perceived ability to manifest outcomes. This concept can lead to shirk (associating partners with Allah) as it attributes a power to humans that belongs solely to Allah.

Detailed Answer

Divine Decree and Reliance on Allah

Islam teaches that everything that happens in the universe is by the decree of Allah (Qadar). Allah states in the Quran:

“Say, ‘It is Allah who saves you from it and from every distress; then you [still] associate others with Him.'”
(Quran 6:64)

This verse emphasizes that only Allah has the power to deliver from distress, highlighting the inappropriateness of attributing such power to human thought or belief. Manifestation, which implies that individuals can control or influence outcomes through their thoughts, undermines this fundamental belief.

Qadar: One of the Pillars of Faith

Belief in Qadar, the divine decree, is a pillar of faith in Islam. It entails acknowledging that everything that happens is within Allah’s knowledge and will. Suggesting that human will can supersede Allah’s will or that Allah’s will is subject to our ability to manifest desires contradicts this principle.

Allah says in the Quran:

“Say, ‘Nothing will ever befall us except what Allah has destined for us. He is our Protector.’ So in Allah let the believers put their trust.”
(Quran 9:51)

This verse reminds us that believers should place their trust in Allah’s will and wisdom, not in their own perceived ability to manifest outcomes.

The Messenger of Allah peace and blessing be upon him said as narrated by Ibn Abbas

“I was behind the Prophet(s.a.w) one day when he said: ‘O boy! I will teach you a statement: Be mindful of Allah and He will protect you. Be mindful of Allah and you will find Him before you. When you ask, ask Allah, and when you seek aid, seek Allah’s aid. Know that if the entire creation were to gather together to do something to benefit you- you would never get any benefit except that Allah had written for you. And if they were to gather to do something to harm you- you would never be harmed except that Allah had written for you. The pens are lifted and the pages are dried.‘”
(tirmidhi:2516)

Submission to Allah’s Will

A Muslim, by definition, is one who submits to the will of Allah. While making dua (supplication) is encouraged, it is an acknowledgment of human limitations and a plea to Allah, recognizing that the ultimate decision lies with Him. This submission is at odds with the concept of manifestation, which promotes the idea of human control over outcomes.

Allah says in the Quran:

“Surely this is a reminder. So let whoever wills take the ˹Right˺ Way to their Lord. But you cannot will ˹to do so˺ unless Allah wills. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.”
(Quran 76:29-30)

These verses underline that human will is ultimately subject to Allah’s will. The belief in manifestation, which implies that individuals can independently bring about desired outcomes, ignores this fundamental aspect of Islamic faith.

Real-world Implications and Misguidance

Consider the real-world implications: If manifestation were a valid concept, Why not manifest wealth to alleviate poverty? Why not a baren women or a man manifest a child, or someone with Cancer manifest their cure, Or a homeless person manifests a home for themselves. Why does a mother not manifest her child’s health or a people suffering under occupation or tyrany manifest their freedom?.

These questions highlight the unrealistic and misleading nature of the concept. This further blames the one suffering from not being able to “Manifest” a solution for themselves and distracts from the actual issues of Poverty, Health, Homelessness, War , Conflict and Peace.

Key Points

• Manifestation conflicts with the Islamic belief that only Allah controls outcomes.

• It risks attributing divine power to humans leading to shirk.

• Muslims should instead practice dua, gratitude, and trust in Allah.

• Positive thinking and intention are good but must align with tawḥīd and divine will.

References

• Qur’an: 6:64; 9:51
• Hadith: Tirmidhī 2516
• Scholarly analysis contrasting manifestation with Islam

And Allah knows best.