Tawakkul and Choice: The Islamic Perspective of Locus of Control and Attaining Mental Peace Through Prayers

 

Mental Stress in the Modern Era and Its Solution

The fast-paced life of the modern era has brought humanity countless conveniences, but also numerous mental and psychological challenges. Among these, mental stress, anxiety, and a feeling of helplessness are at the forefront. When circumstances are perceived to be beyond an individual's control, these feelings intensify. Psychologists have proposed various theories to understand and solve this problem, one of which is the significant concept of "Locus of Control." This theory determines the extent to which a person feels that their life's outcomes are within their own control or are due to external factors. In this report, we will conduct an in-depth analysis of this psychological theory within the context of Islamic teachings, especially prayer (dua) and reliance on Allah (Tawakkul).

The purpose of this report is to clarify which "locus of control" is most conducive to reducing mental stress and achieving true inner peace. To this end, we will compare psychological and Islamic perspectives to present a balanced intellectual and practical model that not only makes a person mentally strong but also leads to their spiritual growth. A key part of this research is to highlight the crucial role of prayer (dua) as a practical expression and a source of mental tranquility throughout this process. This report is structured into four parts to provide a complete and detailed explanation of the subject.

Locus of Control: The Psychological Perspective and Its Challenges

The psychological theory of "Locus of Control" was introduced in the 1950s by psychologist Julian Rotter. It is a concept that describes where people place the control for the events and outcomes in their lives, whether the center is within themselves or outside of them. This theory explains how people perceive their actions and their expected outcomes, which in turn influences their behavior and the amount of effort they put in. According to Rotter, this is a continuum with "internal locus of control" at one end and "external locus of control" at the other.  

Internal Locus of Control

Individuals with an internal locus of control have a deep belief that the outcomes in their lives are the result of their own efforts, decisions, and abilities. They take credit for their successes and also accept responsibility for their failures. This perspective has several psychological benefits. These individuals are often more motivated, self-confident, and have better problem-solving skills. This attitude leads them to greater success in their endeavors and helps them face life's challenges more effectively. They are characterized by resilience and determination, which helps them overcome obstacles.

However, this theory also has some significant challenges. When these individuals face situations that are outside their control, such as the behavior of another person, a pandemic, or a sudden disaster, they can become victims of severe anxiety and helplessness. In the event of failure, this attitude can lead to severe mental stress and self-blame, which can result in despair and even depression.  

External Locus of Control

In contrast, individuals with an external locus of control believe that the events in their lives are due to external factors like fate, destiny, chance, or the actions of others. They see success as a matter of luck and attribute failure to circumstances or other people. Psychologically, this attitude can immediately free them from the burden of failure or misfortune. It protects them from excessive self-blame.

However, its challenges far outweigh its benefits. This attitude leads to passivity, laziness, and a reluctance to strive. These individuals make fewer attempts to change their circumstances because they believe their efforts are futile and they cannot change the outcome in any case. This feeling keeps them in a state of helplessness and inactivity, which can harm their mental health and progress in the long run.

Locus of Control as a Continuum

It is important to understand that locus of control is not an "either/or" situation. Most people fall somewhere in between the two extremes. Some research suggests that individuals with a balanced or blended locus of control report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. This is an important indication that an ideal perspective exists somewhere between the two extremes, which leads us to a balanced framework that combines the benefits of both and avoids their drawbacks. This is the intellectual path that compels us to delve into the depths of Islamic teachings to resolve this apparent contradiction.

Islam's Balanced Model: Choice, Tawakkul, and Decree

In contrast to the traditional psychological model, Islamic teachings present a more comprehensive and dynamic model of "Islamic Locus of Control" (ILoC). This model consists of three key components:

Choice (Ikhtiyar) (effort and striving), Reliance (Tawakkul) (trust in Allah), and Decree (Qadr) (Allah's will). These three are interconnected and form a balanced, spiritually, and psychologically healthy attitude.

1. Ikhtiyar (Effort and Striving): The Islamic Concept of Internal Locus

In Islam, effort and action are a fundamental duty and an essential part of a believer's life. This is completely in line with the concept of internal locus of control. The Holy Quran commands humanity to make every possible effort to achieve their goals. A clear example is this verse:

وَأَن لَّيْسَ لِلْإِنسَانِ إِلَّا مَا سَعَى 

"And that there is not for man except that for which he strives" (Quran, 53:39).

This verse and others like it teach humanity the importance of striving, hard work, and responsibility. The life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the best example of this principle. He ﷺ taught us a perfect balance between action and reliance. In a famous Hadith, a companion asked the Prophet whether he should leave his camel untied and rely on Allah, to which the Prophet ﷺ replied:

"اِعْقِلْهَا وَتَوَكَّلْ" 

"Tie her (the camel), and then rely on Allah" (Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith 2517).

This Hadith is clear proof that tawakkul is not an excuse for inaction, but rather a spiritual act that follows effort and striving. A believer should exhaust all available means within their control and only then leave the outcome to Allah. This concept keeps a believer proactive and does not allow them to evade their responsibilities.

2. Tawakkul (Reliance on Allah): The Islamic Concept of External Locus

After effort, the second important component is Tawakkul. Tawakkul means surrendering the outcome to Allah after making one's best effort. It is not merely a reliance on luck, but a complete certainty in Allah's will and decision after all voluntary efforts have been made. This belief frees a person from mental stress and anxiety because they know that they have done their part and the final outcome is in Allah's hands. The Quran directly states its benefits:

وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللّٰهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ 

"And whoever relies upon Allah, then He is sufficient for him" (Quran, 65:3).

According to this verse, tawakkul is an act that provides a person with true peace of heart and contentment, as they know that their Lord is the best manager of their affairs. In another verse, believers are commanded to rely on Allah after making a decision:

فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللّٰهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللّٰهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُتَوَكِّلِينَ 

"Then when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely" (Quran, 3:159).

This verse emphasizes that tawakkul is an attitude that makes one worthy of Allah's love. It instills in a person's heart the certainty that whatever happens is by Allah's command and that there is goodness in it for them.

3. Qadr (Divine Decree): Perfect Contentment

After ikhtiyar and tawakkul, the foundation of a believer's peace of mind is faith in Qadr. Qadr means that everything that happens in the universe is under Allah's knowledge and decree. This belief assures a person that every event, whether good or bad, is part of Allah's wisdom. A believer should not dwell on negative "what ifs" during a time of failure or calamity, as this opens the door to the work of Satan. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "If any adversity comes to you, do not say: 'If I had only acted in such-and-such a way, it would have been such-and-such,' but say: 'Allah has decreed (this) and whatever He wills, He does'".

This belief creates mental resilience and removes unnecessary mental burdens because a person knows that Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear. Thus, these three components form a complete and balanced framework that keeps a believer tranquil in every situation.

The Resolution of Contradiction and Dynamic Balance

While "Choice" (internal locus) and "Reliance & Decree" (external locus) may seem contradictory, the Islamic model integrates them to create a dynamic balance. Psychologically, this is called an "oscillating" or "Prophetic Locus of Control". In this model, a person's choice motivates their striving and action, but the burden of the outcome does not fall on them. They do not become arrogant upon success, as Qarun did when he said, "I have been given this wealth due to my own knowledge" (Quran, 28:78) , but rather see their success as a blessing from Allah. Similarly, in the face of failure, instead of severe despair and self-blame, they accept it as part of divine decree and remain patient.

This balance directly impacts mental stress. When a believer adopts this model, the constant internal struggle in their mind ceases. They do not see themselves as solely responsible for the outcomes, which is the negative effect of the internal locus, nor are they completely helpless, which is the negative effect of the external locus. Instead, they focus on their efforts, which are within their control, and leave the results to the one who is the true owner of the universe. This attitude eliminates unnecessary worry, anxiety, and despair, which in turn reduces mental stress. This is a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

Dua: The Practical Expression of Tawakkul and a Source of Mental Peace

The status of dua (supplication) in Islam is very high. It is not merely an act of asking for help, but it is the essence of worship and the most powerful weapon of a believer. Dua is a means of establishing a direct connection with Allah, which makes a person feel His greatness and power and acknowledge their own helplessness.  

The Status of Dua in Islam

In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty has commanded His servants to pray and has promised to accept their prayers:

وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ 

"And your Lord says, 'Call upon Me; I will respond to you'" (Quran, 40:60).

Additionally, the Hadith also greatly emphasizes the importance of dua. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, "The one who does not ask Allah, Allah becomes angry with him". In another Hadith, dua is called worship. These teachings make it clear that dua is an act of great value in the sight of Allah.

The Relationship Between Dua and Tawakkul

Dua is the practical expression of tawakkul. When a person prays to Allah after making their full effort, they are, in fact, acknowledging their helplessness and surrendering the outcomes to Allah. It is an act that makes a person aware of their limits and centers their hopes and fears on Allah alone. It becomes an active coping strategy against mental stress.  

Reducing Mental Stress Through Dua

The Holy Quran offers a simple solution for the tranquility of hearts: 

أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللّٰهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ 

"Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured" (Quran, 13:28).

Dua is a form of remembrance of Allah that provides hearts with peace and contentment. Through dua, we place our problems, worries, and burdens before Allah, which lightens the mental load. This process makes us spiritually and emotionally strong. The lives of the prophets and the righteous are full of examples of overcoming mental stress and relying on Allah. The famous prayer of Prophet Yunus (AS) in which he sought Allah's help in an extremely difficult situation is: 

لَّا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظّٰلِمِينَ 

"There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers" (Quran, 21:87).

This prayer teaches us that a person should admit their mistakes and seek Allah's help, no matter how unfavorable the circumstances.

Practical Guidance: Attaining Mental Peace Through Tawakkul and Dua

Here is a step-by-step action plan to achieve mental peace through tawakkul and dua:

Step 1: Effort and Planning (Internal Locus) When faced with any problem or challenge, make your best effort to solve it. Keep the Prophet's Hadith about tying the camel in mind. Do everything within your control. Plan, work hard, and utilize the means at your disposal, because Allah only looks at one's effort.

Step 2: Dua and Reliance (Tawakkul) Once you have made your full effort, then pray to Allah with all your heart. Pray for your goal and then leave the outcomes to Him. Acknowledge that your effort is only a means, and the final decision is with Allah.

Step 3: Acceptance and Patience (Qadr) If the outcomes are not as you expected, accept Allah's decision with patience and gratitude. As per the Hadith, avoid using "what if" statements, as they open the door for Satan. Believe that every decision of Allah is for the best and is based on His wisdom, and that He does not burden you beyond what you can bear. This shift in mindset will bring deep peace to your heart.

A few important prayers for mental peace and tawakkul:

• وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللّٰهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ (And whoever relies upon Allah, then He is sufficient for him)   
• Purpose: Acknowledging reliance and attaining mental peace.
• لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظّٰلِمِينَ (There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers)
• Purpose: Seeking help in difficulties and expressing repentance.
• رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً (Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate after You have guided us and grant us from Yourself mercy)
• Purpose: Steadfastness on guidance and peace of heart.
• حَسْبِيَ اللّٰهُ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ (Sufficient for me is Allah; there is no deity except Him)
• Purpose: Trust and reliance on Allah in every matter.

The Balanced Path of Tawakkul and Choice

In short, the ideal locus of control for a Muslim is neither entirely internal nor external. It is a dynamic blend that commands choice in the form of striving and gives the courage to surrender outcomes to tawakkul and qadr. This balanced attitude protects a person from arrogance in success (like Qarun) and from despair in failure.

In this way, a person can achieve mental peace despite all their efforts. Dua plays a key role throughout this process, connecting a person with Allah and providing the strongest shield against mental stress. This is the path that leads to true mental peace and spiritual growth, keeping a believer calm and content through every ebb and flow of life. This is an intellectual framework that combines psychological insight with spiritual guidance to enable a person to live a complete and peaceful life.