The Trend That's Replacing Du'a - And Why It's Dangerous? - Light Upon Light - Episode 15

In a world full of chaos, uncertainty, and endless pressure to "have it all," a new spiritual movement has swept across our screens and minds: manifestation.

Social media influencers preach the Law of Attraction. Crystals are sold as tools to "align your energy." Vision boards promise dream jobs, soulmates, and luxury lifestyles. And it all sounds beautiful-empowering, even. After all, who wouldn't want to believe that you can attract anything into your life just by thinking about it hard enough?

But as Muslims, we must pause and ask:

Is this empowerment-or is it a subtle replacement for our relationship with Allah? Is the universe in control-or is it the One who created it?

Let's dive deep into what manifestation really is, why it's trending, and how it compares to the power of du'a and Islamic faith.

What Is Manifestation?

Manifestation is the belief that by focusing your thoughts, emotions, and "energy" on something you desire, you can attract it into your life. It's often linked with the Law of Attraction, which claims that "like attracts like."

People who practice manifestation often:

• Repeat positive affirmations like "I attract abundance" or "I am worthy of success"
• Use visualization techniques to imagine their dream life
• Create vision boards
• Believe in "high vibrations" and "energy alignment"
• Use crystals or spiritual rituals to attract love, money, or peace

It's not just a personal development tool-it's become a full-blown spiritual framework for many. And that's where things get complicated.

Why Is It So Popular?

Especially among Gen Z, manifestation appeals to deep emotional needs:

• Control: In a world where everything feels uncertain, manifestation gives the illusion of control.
• Hope: It feels good to believe you can speak your dream life into existence.
• Accessibility: You don't need religion, prayer, or submission. Just your thoughts.

And in the age of burnout, trauma, and self-healing, manifestation is marketed as a quick fix for spiritual and emotional wounds.

But here's the danger: it's not just a motivational tool anymore-it's being treated as divine truth.

Is Manifestation from Islam?

The short answer? No.
Manifestation, as popularly practiced, is not part of Islamic belief.

Islam is clear about where control lies:

"Say, nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us. He is our Protector. And upon Allah let the believers rely."
(Qur'an 9:51)

Here's how manifestation contradicts Islamic teachings:

1. It Shifts Power from Allah to the Self or the Universe

Manifestation teaches:

"You are the creator of your reality."

Islam teaches:

Only Allah is the Creator. We have free will to act, but the outcome is in His hands.

2. It Replaces Du'a with Demands

In manifestation, people speak their desires into the "universe" as if the universe owes them.

In Islam, we make du'a-a humble, conscious request to Allah, knowing that He knows best whether to give, delay, or withhold.

"Your Lord has said, 'Call upon Me and I will respond to you.'"
(Qur'an 40:60)

3. It Confuses Qadr (Divine Decree)

Manifestation implies that you can write your future.
But in Islam, the future is already written by Allah. That's not a limitation-it's a comfort. Because His plan is always better than ours.

Crystals, Energy, and Spiritual Bypassing

Some manifestation practices involve:

• Using crystals to attract love, wealth, or healing
• Scripting rituals under moonlight
• Talking to the universe as if it's a conscious being

These practices fall dangerously close to shirk-the Islamic term for associating partners with Allah.

Why? Because seeking help from things that have no power and attributing divine outcomes to them is not just spiritually misguided-it's a threat to one's iman (faith).

"And whatever you have of favor - it is from Allah."
(Qur'an 16:53)

Du'a: The Islamic Alternative

So what is the Islamic way to ask for what we want?

It's du'a.

Du'a is not about "attracting" your dream life. It's about:

• Acknowledging your need
• Turning to Allah with sincerity
• Trusting in His wisdom-even when you don't get what you want

In du'a, you're not the source of power. You're the servant of the Most Powerful.

And unlike manifestation, du'a brings peace even before your circumstances change-because it reconnects your heart with your Creator.

Tawakkul: Doing Your Part, Then Letting Go

Islam is not passive. It encourages:

• Taking action
• Setting goals
• Making du'a
• Then having tawakkul-trust in Allah's plan

This is radically different from the Law of Attraction, which says:

"You can have anything you want-just think it into existence."

In Islam, we say:

"You can try your best-but Allah will always give what's best."

That surrender? That's true empowerment. Because it frees you from anxiety, perfectionism, and obsession over outcomes.

What's the Harm in Manifestation?

You might ask: "But it's harmless, right? I just want to stay positive."

Here's the problem:

• It feeds the ego - you start thinking you're in control of the universe.
• It causes spiritual confusion - when you don't get what you manifested, you blame yourself or the universe.
• It weakens your connection with Allah - slowly, du'a feels less "powerful" compared to trendy TikTok affirmations.

Final Reflection: Who's Really in Control?

The manifestation trend might feel real, might sound poetic-but the truth is:

The universe doesn't listen. Allah does.
Your affirmations don't rewrite destiny. Du'a can.
Your vibe doesn't attract outcomes. Tawakkul brings peace.

So next time you're told to "manifest it," ask yourself:

Do I believe in my power... or in His power?

Because the one you trust determines the one you turn to.
And only One is truly in control.

Key Takeaways:

• Manifestation is not supported by Islamic theology.
• Du'a is the correct, humble, and powerful way to seek from Allah.
• Tawakkul means doing your best, then trusting Allah's outcome.
• Trendy doesn't always mean true-stay grounded in revelation.
• Your value and future don't lie in the stars or crystals-but in Allah's hands.

If this article helped clarify things for you, share it with someone who's caught up in manifestation culture. Let's remind each other: true power comes not from within us-but from the One above us.