Examples Of Manifesting And Setting Intentions In Islam

by Ameera Hammouda

A 42% increased likelihood of success is achieved by writing down your goals on a consistent basis. Journaling is a form of "written manifestation."

According to the Berkeley Well Being institute, manifestation is:

The word ‘manifestation' means to create something or turn something from an idea into a reality. In psychology, manifestation generally means using our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs to bring something to our physical reality. But even this definition of manifestation doesn't fully get at what manifestation is.

Manifestation can be interpreted in many ways and practiced in several fashions. Journaling goals makes individuals more likely to accomplish them as mentioned above. Duaa, belief, and visualization of the beauty mentioned in the Quran is in itself a manifestation. 

The power of the mind, vision, and our thoughts are addressed several times throughout the Quran and Sunnah, we've compiled just a few to make evident the ties between Islam and manifestation and why it is so important internalize these positive thought processes.

1. Niyyah (Intention)

Niyyah, Arabic for intention, is an integral part of Islamic faith. In fact Muslims believe that judgement will be delivered on the basis of Niyyah and not outcome. Thus tipping the scale in favor of intention over results and showcasing that there is immense power in Niyyah.

Setting Niyyah before any task is an Islamic Sunnah and in some cases an obligation, like setting the intention to fast during Ramadan. A goal is a finish line and an intention is the start line that helps us manifest that goal.

2. "I am as My servant thinks of Me" (Bukhari, Muslim)

In this Hadith God is telling us that He is what we believe He is. This message is first and foremost a reminder to hold positive thoughts of God and remember no task is too big for Allah swt. 

Stemming from this Hadith is a reminder of mindset. We need to believe in our selves to realize our greatest potential.

Similarly, we become the person we habitually tell ourselves we are. And this is accomplished through reminding ourselves, daily, all of the assets we have and the amazing things we're capable of.

3. Duaa (Supplication)

Ask and you shall receive. The thing you have today is something you made duaa for two years ago. God is listening and will deliver in perfect timing. Manifesting our duaa can actually be a way of strengthening our imaan. 

It is mentioned in many hadiths to have sincerity and a heartfelt connection with our dua, not to mindlessly meander or feel in our hearts what we wish for is impossible. When you truly belive your duaa or something you need or desire will happen, that is an act of worship as it proves your true faith in God and His ability to make miracles happen, no matter how big they seem for us.

4. Laylat Al' Qadr

For believing Muslims, it can be easy to say what is written is written, and just let life happen to you instead of for you.

But when you accept that you do have control in your narrative and become an active player instead of a bystander, shifts happen. And Laylat Al' Qadr, a night with the power to change one's destiny, is an annual reminder that we're not "stuck" in the life we're born with. 

5. The Law of Attraction

Many Ayahs in the Quran show in symmetry our relationship with our Creator. What you give is what you get, but tenfold. 

“If you give thanks, I will give you more” (14:7) Gratitude yields more to be grateful for.

"If he approaches Me by a hand’s width, I approach him by an arm’s length; and if he approaches Me by an arm’s length, I approach him by two arms’ lengths. And if he comes to Me walking, I hasten to him swiftly.” (Bukhari and Muslim) If you go walking to God, he will come running to you.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “To harbor good thoughts is part of well-practiced worship” (Mishkat al Masabih, Volume 2, book 24, Chapter 17, p. 1048).

Manifesting in Islam

Thinking positively doesn't just happen. It's a muscle that gets trained, through the forms of worship, journaling, mood boards, good company, psychiatric mobility, and expressing gratitude. Islam is filled with lessons and principles that reinforce this kind of inner psychology of thinking, acting and envisioning positively to attract good things into this life and the next.