"In Islam, positive thinking is rooted in tawakkul (having full hope in Allah, or placing reliance on Him.), gratitude, and hope. It means having a hopeful outlook, expecting good from Allah, and being resilient in the face of challenges," Bhimasena went on. ""Allah says,وَمَنْ يَّتَّقِ اللّٰهَ يَجْعَلْ لَّهٗ مَخْرَجًا ۙوَّيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُۗ وَمَنْ يَّتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللّٰهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهٗ ۗاِنَّ اللّٰهَ بَالِغُ اَمْرِهٖۗ قَدْ جَعَلَ اللّٰهُ لِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدْرًا"... And whoever fears Allah-He will make for him a way out [i.e., relief from distress]. And will provide for him from where he does not expect.And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allāh will accomplish His purpose. Allāh has already set for everything a [decreed] extent." [QS. At-Talaq (65):2-3]Positive thinking begins with the belief that Allah is in control and that His plan is always for the best. This trust instils confidence and peace in a believer, even during hardships. Scholars like Ibn al-Qayyim and Ibn Kathir explain that true reliance on Allah brings emotional tranquillity, as the believer leaves their worries in Allah’s hands, focusing on good deeds and hope in His mercy.Allah says, "I am as My servant expects Me to be, and I am with him when he remembers Me ..." this shows that believers are encouraged to always expect the best from Allah (husn al-dhann billah). This mindset cultivates optimism and keeps a person focused on achieving positive outcomes, relying on Allah’s mercy and grace in times of difficulty.Islam teaches that hardships are temporary and often a test of faith. Allah says,اِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًاۗ"Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. [QS. Ash-Sharh (94):6]Ibn Kathir in his Tafsir explains that Allah’s promise of ease is tied to a firm belief that every challenge is paired with divine support, reinforcing hope and resilience.Al-Ghazali, in his work Ihya’ Ulum al-Din, emphasizes that gratitude fosters inner contentment and positive thinking, aligning the heart with Allah’s will and seeing the good in every situation.Allah says,لَىِٕنْ شَكَرْتُمْ لَاَزِيْدَنَّكُمْ"... 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor] ...." [QS. Ibrahim (14):7]Gratitude leads to contentment and increases blessings. By focusing on what one has, rather than what is lacking, positive thinking is cultivated, making the believer more optimistic about life and their future.Helping others fosters a sense of fulfilment and positivity. The act of charity and kindness reflects the principle that positive thinking isn’t only about personal benefit but about spreading goodness in the community.The Prophet (ﷺ) said,لا يُؤْمِنُ أَحَدُكُمْ حَتَّى يُحِبَّ لأَخِيهِ مَا يُحِبُّ لِنَفْسِهِ"None of you will have faith till he wishes for his (Muslim) brother what he likes for himself." [Sahih al-Bukhari, No. 13]Ibn al-Qayyim explains that helping others leads to a positive cycle, where kindness brings more kindness and Allah’s blessings follow those who contribute positively to society.From an Islamic perspective, positive thinking is deeply tied to faith in Allah’s plan, patience in adversity, and gratitude for blessings. It encourages believers to focus on the good, maintain hope, and trust in Allah’s wisdom, creating a life filled with optimism, peace, and spiritual strength.Salah is more than a religious obligation; it is seen as a moment of peace and reflection, a refuge from the trials of life. Surah Al-Ankabut verse 45 is a key verse in the Qur'an that addresses the importance of salah and how it impacts a believer's conduct. Allah says,اُتْلُ مَآ اُوْحِيَ اِلَيْكَ مِنَ الْكِتٰبِ وَاَقِمِ الصَّلٰوةَۗ اِنَّ الصَّلٰوةَ تَنْهٰى عَنِ الْفَحْشَاۤءِ وَالْمُنْكَرِ ۗوَلَذِكْرُ اللّٰهِ اَكْبَرُ ۗوَاللّٰهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا تَصْنَعُوْنَRecite, [O Muḥammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish salah. Indeed, salah prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allāh is greater. And Allāh knows that which you do. [QS. Al-Ankabut (29):45]This verse emphasizes these main points:
- The Recitation of the Qur’an and the Importance of Salah (Prayer). The verse begins with a command to recite what has been revealed in the Qur'an. Sunni scholars like Imam Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir interpret this as a general instruction to remain connected to the Qur'an. By regularly reciting its verses, a believer strengthens their understanding of faith and builds a close relationship with Allah. Right after mentioning the recitation, the command to establish salah is given. For Sunni scholars, this pairing signifies the critical role of Salah (the five daily salah). Salah is the second pillar of Islam, and its importance is consistently stressed throughout the Qur'an and the Sunnah. Salah is considered the most regular and direct form of worship that keeps a Muslim spiritually connected to Allah.
- Salah as a means to prevent Immorality and Wrongdoing. Salah is not merely a ritualistic act but has transformative power in a person's life. The verse states, "Indeed, salah prohibits immorality and wrongdoing." This part of the verse emphasizes the moral impact of salah on a believer’s life. When performed with sincerity and proper mindfulness (khushu'), salah becomes a shield against sins, wrong actions, and indecency (fahsha). Consistent salah softens the heart, strengthens the resolve to avoid sin, and inculcates discipline. Immorality and wrongdoing encompass a wide range of negative behaviors, from dishonesty and injustice to more severe sins like theft or adultery. Regular salah helps curb such tendencies by reminding the worshiper of Allah’s presence and fostering a sense of accountability.
- The Remembrance of Allah as Supreme. The phrase "And the remembrance of Allah is greater" suggests that dhikr (the remembrance of Allah) holds an immense position in a believer's life. Many Sunni scholars interpret this as a reinforcement of how essential it is to constantly remember Allah. While salah itself is a form of remembrance, this statement implies that remembering Allah—whether inside or outside of salah—transcends any particular form of worship because it encompasses all acts of obedience to Him. It reflects a state of mindfulness and devotion in all of one's actions. This echoes the teachings of renowned Sunni scholars like Imam Ghazali, who stressed the idea that the true purpose of Salah and all forms of worship is to make the believer conscious of Allah in every aspect of life. The ultimate goal is to have Allah at the centre of one's thoughts, actions, and intentions.
- Allah’s Knowledge of All Actions, The final part of the verse, "And Allah knows that which you do," reminds the believer that nothing escapes Allah’s knowledge. Sunni commentators like Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this is both a warning and a reassurance. It is a warning to those who may neglect their salah or perform them without sincerity, reminding them that Allah is fully aware of their intentions. It is also a reassurance to the sincere believer that their efforts in worship and avoiding sin are recognized by Allah.
Positive thinking, according to modern psychological theories, stems from an inner sense of peace and calmness. Sunni scholars like Al-Ghazali have long held that the regular practice of Salah trains the believer to remain calm and collected even in the face of adversity. Salah, particularly when performed with sincerity and mindfulness (khushu'), helps a person view life’s challenges with a sense of hope. This optimistic outlook grows from the deep conviction that, through salah, one is always connected to Allah, who has control over all affairs. By continually returning to salah believers nurture positive thinking because they are reminded that their worries are not solely theirs to bear; they are in Allah’s hands.When the verse states, “Indeed, salah prohibits immorality and wrongdoing,” it points to the spiritual cleansing that happens during Salah. Sunni scholars believe that through regular salah, a person becomes more conscious of their thoughts and actions, cultivating inner purity. This cleansing extends beyond moral behaviour into the realm of thoughts. Immoral actions often begin as harmful thoughts, such as jealousy, anger, or hopelessness.By maintaining Salah, believers train themselves to control these negative impulses, as salah fosters mindfulness of Allah's presence and the need to maintain the purity of both thought and action. As scholars like Ibn Kathir note, salah serves as a daily check on one’s inner world, reinforcing self-discipline. When harmful thoughts are kept at bay, the room is created for positivity, gratitude, and hope to flourish. Just as salah stops a person from physical wrongdoings, it also halts the harmful cycle of negative thoughts that can lead to despair or anxiety.The phrase, “And the remembrance of Allah is greater,” plays a central role in understanding the link between the verse and positive thinking. Sunni scholars consistently emphasize that remembering Allah—whether through salah, recitation of the Qur'an, or reflecting on His attributes—builds a sense of trust and hope in His plan. In times of difficulty, the believer is reminded of Allah’s mercy and wisdom, leading to a more positive outlook on life’s events.The concept of tawakkul (reliance on Allah), which is frequently discussed by Sunni scholars, is deeply connected to this verse. When a person places their trust in Allah, believing that He is the best of Planners, they are less likely to fall into patterns of negative thinking. Instead, they adopt a positive mindset, grounded in the certainty that Allah’s wisdom guides their lives. This trust leads to resilience, as believers learn to view challenges as temporary trials that carry divine wisdom, fostering a positive outlook even in hardship.The verse concludes with, “And Allah knows that which you do,” serving as both a reassurance and a reminder. Sunni scholars, such as Al-Qurtubi, explain that this phrase highlights the omniscience of Allah. For believers, this knowledge instils a sense of comfort and positivity. No effort, struggle, or difficulty goes unnoticed by Allah. When a person understand that Allah is aware of every action, thought, and intention, they are encouraged to maintain positivity in the face of hardship, knowing that their efforts to improve their lives, avoid sin, and remain hopeful are all accounted for.This consciousness of Allah’s knowledge further empowers positive thinking by alleviating feelings of loneliness or helplessness. Believers realize they are never alone, as their struggles are always within Allah’s divine awareness. This awareness strengthens their resolve and gives rise to a hopeful and positive mindset, no matter the circumstances.Finally, the act of salah itself fosters an attitude of gratitude, a cornerstone of positive thinking. Each salah is an opportunity to thank Allah for His blessings, even in difficult times. Sunni scholars emphasize that through gratitude, the heart remains content, and contentment is a key ingredient of positive thinking. When a person focuses on what they have, rather than what they lack, they are more likely to maintain a positive and hopeful attitude towards life. Salah, by nature, encourages this mindset of gratitude.This verse offers guidance that cultivates a mindset aligned with positive thinking. By emphasizing the importance of Salah, the remembrance of Allah, and the awareness of His knowledge, the verse provides spiritual tools that promote an optimistic outlook on life. Through regular salah, the believer is not only safeguarded against immoral actions but is also equipped with inner peace, discipline, and gratitude—key elements that foster a life of positivity and resilience.Salat shapes positive thinking by fostering gratitude and optimism, instilling hope and forgiveness, patience and resilience through trials, and creating inner peace and mindfulness.Salah is one of the key purposes of life and holds central importance in a Muslim's daily routine and spiritual development. It is considered a direct means of worship and a way to maintain a connection with Allah.How Salah fits into the broader Islamic understanding of life's purpose, we'll discuss in the next segment. Bi' idhnillah."
Citations & References:
- As-Sayyid Sabiq, Fiqh us-Sunnah Vol. 1-4, translated by Muhammad Sa'eed Dabas & Jamal al-Din M. Zarabozo, 1991, International Islamic Publishing House
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