How to avoid spiritual atheism: Practical steps to achieve your goals the Islamic and scientific way.

Aminath Anjoona

30 Jan 2025 — 11 min read

In today's world, the idea of "manifestation" has become widely popular, especially in goal-setting videos, Instagram stories, and even within some religious communities. But, is it the way to achieve your dreams, or is it just another form of commercialized pseudo-science? I decided to take a deep dive into the topic to uncover its truths and potential misguidances, especially as we see it being portrayed by Maldivian influencers.

Here’s what I found, and what I believe is a more balanced approach to goal-setting, faith, and action.

What Is Manifestation?

Manifestation is often described as a method of visualisation and affirmation, where you focus on positive thinking and affirmations to bring about your desires. The dictionary defines it as "the act of using methods such as visualisation and affirmation to help you imagine achieving something, in the belief that doing so will make it more likely to happen." At its core, manifestation is based on the idea that if you think positively enough about your dreams, they will come true.

But is this really the way achievement and success works?

Key Concepts Behind Manifestation

Manifestation, as explained by many proponents, is grounded in the following key beliefs:

Affirmations and Vision Boards: By repeating affirmations or creating vision boards, you supposedly align your life with your desires.
Vibrating at the Right Frequency: You are told to “match your vibrations” with the universe, whatever that may mean.
Unity with the Universe: The universe is believed to be interconnected with you, and it can “feel” the vibrations you give out.
You Control Everything: You are responsible for all the events in your life, both good and bad. If you experience misfortune, it's because you didn’t manifest hard enough.

While these ideas sound appealing to many, they also place the responsibility for every outcome solely on you. But is this realistic or even accurate from a religious or scientific perspective?

A Believer’s Perspective: The Issue with Manifestation

As Nouman Ali Khan aptly points out in his video (link in the references), the concept of manifestation can sound somewhat stupid. The idea that if you believe hard enough, your dreams will come true essentially removes the Creator from the equation.

In Islam, for instance, the concept of Istikhara (asking Allah for guidance) emphasizes humility. It involves acknowledging that we don’t always know what is best for us. The prayer goes:

"If this is good for me, allow it to happen. If it is not good for me, take me away from it and take it away from me."

So essentially the western concept of manifestation is not acceptable for us. As believers, we need alternatives to this.

The Islamic Approach to Achieving Goals

When I searched for alternatives to the Western idea of manifestation, I came across many Islamic interpretations, where people attempted to reconcile the law of attraction with Islamic principles. While this might seem like a well-intended approach, many of these creators are not qualified scholars, and their interpretations could be misleading for someone who is not well-versed in religious knowledge.

One of the most insightful sources I found was a YouTube lecture by Sheikh Belal Assad titled "The Law of Attraction & Manifestation". Here’s a summary of his key points:

Sheikh Belal Assad's Insight on Manifestation

1- Sheikh Belal Assad starts by describing the Law of Attraction and manifestation. He calls it "buffoonery," a rather harsh term, but a perfect description. The Law of Attraction and manifestation trace back to the ideologies of ancient Egypt, Hinduism, and Buddhism. It is the belief that the universe contains frequencies of energy, and if you match the right frequency, you will attract positive energy or repel negative energy and receive what you desire.

2- Sheikh Belal Assad refers to this concept as "spiritual atheism," a term coined by his dear friend, scholar, Sheikh, and author Dr. Haitham Tha’lat. Spiritual atheism is a new-age movement based on an ancient idea, where a person forgets about God but continues to be spiritual. It stems from the ideas of Buddhism, Hinduism, and other religions. Other ideologies in this realm include zodiacs, astrology, and the belief in positive and negative energy (e.g., believing that your intuition guides you when you dislike someone at first impression, and vice versa).

I have provided a source to download his book, "Spiritual Atheism And Its Danger to Aqīdah (Creed) and Reason," at the end of this post.

In Islam, we believe that Allah (SWT) has written everything that has happened and will happen. This is supported by the following hadith:

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) once said: "O young man, I will teach you some words (of wisdom). Keep Allah in mind, and He will preserve you. Keep Allah in mind, and you will find Him in front of you. If you (have need to) ask, ask of Allah. And if you must seek help, seek help from Allah. Know that even if the (whole) community is united to (do something to) benefit you in any matter, they would not benefit you in anything except what Allah has written for you, and even if they were united to harm you in any matter, they would not harm you in anything except what Allah has already written for you. The pens have been lifted, and the pages are dry." (Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Abwaab Sifat-ul-Qayimah, Hadiqat-us-Salihin, p.148)

3- Sheikh Belal Assad further mentions that we are given free will. However, the actions of our free will and their consequences are also written. This reminds me of books I read as a child, such as the Goosebumps series, where multiple endings are written. The ending of the book changes according to the choices we make, but each ending is already written by the author. The Law of Attraction believes that we can change our destiny by simply believing and manifesting things, sometimes with effort. However, it also teaches that if we don't receive what we want, it's because we didn't manifest it hard enough. In Islam when things don't work out the way you anticipate, you are not to be blamed. Rather, In Islam we believe that Allah (SWT) has already predestined what will happen.

4- Allah (SWT) is separate from His creation, and His creation is separate from Him. He is not bound by time or space, and Allah (SWT) is not dependent on His creation. The Law of Attraction believes in energy and how we must match the vibrations of the universe to attract what we want, while Islam is clear that God is not bound by time, space, or our universe. Rather, He is outside of His creation.

5- Not everything we do will necessarily have a consequence unless Allah (SWT) wills it. For example, jaywalking and nearly getting hit by a car, missing an accident and serious injury by a millisecond. The Law of Attraction believes that everything we do has consequences. In Islam we believe that sometimes Allah (SWT) does not allow you to have consequences for your actions.

6- Some Muslims have mixed manifestation and the Law of Attraction with religion, believing that making enough dua or thinking well of Allah (SWT) will bring them goodness and their desires will come true. Sheikh Belal Assad calls this mixing deen with shirk and an innovation in deen.

7- Sheikh Belal Assad points out four ways in which the Law of Attraction contradicts science:

There is no scientific evidence or studies that prove the Law of Attraction; it is classified as pseudo-science.
In physics, like things do not attract; opposites attract.
The charge of the human body is electrically neutral. Therefore, the body can neither attract nor repel anything.
Supporters of the Law of Attraction claim that energy is tangible, which is false in science.

8- The Law of Attraction creates mental illness by making people blame themselves (e.g., "I did not succeed in a task because I did not manifest enough").

9- The Law of Attraction causes rifts between families and friends (e.g., "My family or friend isn't on the same frequency as I am, or this person brings bad vibes/toxicity, so I must cut ties with them and move away").

10- Islam is not the only religion that rejects the Law of Attraction; Christianity and Judaism reject it as well.

11- When Allah (SWT) says to think well of Him, He is asking us to think well of Him regardless of the outcome of a situation. Perhaps what you dislike is good for you, and you don’t know.

12- It is shirk in cause if a Muslim believes that the Law of Attraction is facilitated by Allah (SWT) but doesn't necessarily believe in the energies of the universe. In Islam, it is only you and Allah (SWT); there are no facilitators or intermediaries for your duas or requests. Islam is pure monotheism.

13- Sheikh Belal Assad then quotes the following hadith and mentions how most Muslims misquote or mistranslate this hadith in the opposite way of its intended meaning:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Allah says: 'I am just as My slave thinks I am (i.e., I am able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him), and I am with him if he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I too, remember him in Myself; and if he remembers Me in a group of people, I remember him in a group that is better than they; and if he comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him; and if he comes one cubit nearer to Me, I go a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him; and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.'" Sahih al-Bukhari 7405, Book 97, Hadith 34.

This hadith tells us to put our trust only in Allah (SWT) and not in any material resources He created.
Rely on Allah (SWT), and no matter what happens to you, believe that it is goodness from Allah. Even if it doesn’t appear that way (e.g., after making dua or supplication).
When you truly repent for your sins, assume that Allah (SWT) will forgive you.
Assume Allah (SWT) will take care of you in every situation, if you do the necessary action (e.g., not just wishful thinking, but working hard to achieve your dreams).

14- Sheikh Belal then recites the following verse and provides gems from its understanding:

قُل لَّن يُصِيبَنَآ إِلَّا مَا كَتَبَ ٱللَّهُ لَنَا هُوَ مَوْلَىٰنَا ۚ وَعَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ

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.

If a believer is satisfied that he has done his best to perform his duty and is successful by the grace of God, though he might not have been able to accomplish anything from a worldly point of view, the rewards of his efforts will not go to waste.
The Gadr (decree) of Allah (SWT) goes hand in hand with the actions He knows you will take. Hence, He determines what you will get.
Assuming well of Allah (SWT) aligns with the concept of qadr as well. Thus, He will be merciful and just.

15- Four main differences between believing in Gadr (decree) and believing in the Law of Attraction:

The Law of Attraction depends on an automatic, definite process (they believe it will always happen if you try hard enough). Qadr is discretionary (it may or may not happen).
The Law of Attraction does not require action. Qadr and believing in Allah (SWT) require action.
The Law of Attraction ignores Gadr, making it spiritual atheism (being spiritual without the involvement of God).
The Law of Attraction ignores Allah’s (SWT) laws (both physical/scientific rules and spiritual/religious rules).

16- The Law of Attraction is about expecting to get what you want. Dua is about accepting whatever Allah (SWT) decides for you.

17- Dua will be responded to in one of four ways:

Allah (SWT) gives you what you want.
He delays what you want until the timing is right.
He replaces what you want with something better.
He preserves it for you, for the hereafter (what you ask for may not be the best thing for you).

18- Don’t misinterpret or misunderstand hadiths in your own way without seeking advice from those who are learned.

Islam and Science: A Holistic Approach to Goal-Setting

While manifestation has no scientific backing (it’s classified as pseudo-science), Islam offers a balanced and holistic approach to goal-setting, as well as practical guidance on how to achieve success:

Plan with Purpose: Islam encourages planning and preparation. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both.” ( Sahih Muslim 2664, Book 46, Hadith 52). This teaches us that effort and preparation are key to success.
Take Action: It’s not enough to simply wish for things. Islam emphasizes taking action toward your goals. We are told to make the best use of the abilities and opportunities Allah has granted us.
Trust in Allah’s Plan: While working towards your goals, always remember that the ultimate success and outcome lie in the hands of Allah (SWT). As the Qur’an reminds us: “Nothing will ever befall us except what Allah has destined for us. He is our Protector” (Quran, 9:51).

Understanding the Difference Between Gadr and Manifestation

There are key differences between believing in Allah’s Gadr (decree) and following the law of attraction:

Gadr is Discretionary, Manifestation is Automatic: Gadr may or may not align with our desires, while manifestation assumes that we can make things happen through our efforts alone.
Gadr Requires Action: In Islam, success is tied to action, faith, and reliance on Allah, while manifestation often ignores the need for real effort.
Manifestation Ignores Allah’s Sovereignty: Believing in manifestation separates us from Allah’s direct involvement in our lives, whereas Islam teaches that everything is in His hands.

The Science Behind Optimism and Action

While Islamic teachings focus on faith and action, there is also scientific evidence supporting the power of positive thinking and goal-oriented behaviour. For example:

Reticular Activation System (RAS): This part of the brain helps you focus on what’s most important to you, guiding your actions toward achieving your goals.
Placebo Effect: Positive thinking can bring real biological changes to your body, which shows how mindset influences outcomes.
Perceptual Blindness: By staying focused on the right goals, you’re more likely to notice opportunities around you, something that can be missed by those distracted by misguided ideologies.

Practical Steps to Achieve Your Goals

Plan: Define and write down your goals and outline the necessary steps.
Activate your Reticular activation system- Review your goals on a timely basis and focus on ways that your goals can be achieved.
Act: Take action—don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start now.
Do: Commit to your actions, keep learning, and seek help when necessary.
Monitor progress: check in with yourself on a timely basis to see if you are truly working at the best pace and how much you have achieved your set goals.
Mental contrasting: Visualise the obstacles in your path to achieve your goal and what is your plan to get over the obstacles in your path.
Tie the goals to an identity: eg: Someone who wants to be healthy can tie that goal to an identity and call himself a gym goer or a healthy eater. This promotes consistent action to maintain the identity.
Rely on Allah’s Gadr: Accept whatever outcome Allah has planned for you and trust that it is for your benefit.
Stay Optimistic: Surround yourself with positivity and be around people who uplift you.

Conclusion: Manifestation vs. Faith

Manifestation is often based on wishful thinking without divine acknowledgement, and while its ideas of positive thinking and goal-setting have some merit, they miss the most important factor: our Creator. Islam provides a clear, holistic framework that combines faith, action, and trust in Allah’s will, creating a balanced approach to achieving success in this life and the next. Why rely on unproven, commercialised ideologies when the answer lies within the teachings of Islam?

After all, Islam isn’t just a religion; it’s a complete way of life.

References and further research:

https://seekersguidance.org/answers/islamic-belief/what-does-the-statement-by-allah-most-high-i-am-as-my-servant-think-of-me-mean/

https://islamqa.info/en/answers/286430/meaning-of-the-hadith-he-will-not-get-anything-of-this-world-except-that-which-has-been-decreed-for-him#:~:text=Whoever

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TegsXPoZlbo&ab_channel=NoumanAliKhan-Official-Bayyinah

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/manifesting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eT9kdI38Qw&ab_channel=BelalAssaad

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdJouJfo67w&t=503s&ab_channel=BelalAssaad

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3615556/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/reticular-formation

https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/the-power-of-the-placebo-effect

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/inattentional-blindness#:~:text=Inattentional