What does the Quran and Sunnah say about locus of control
ChatGPT said:
The Qur’an and Sunnah do not use the modern psychological term “locus of control”, but the concept is deeply embedded in Islamic teachings. "Locus of control" refers to whether a person believes outcomes in their life are controlled internally (by their own actions) or externally (by outside forces, fate, or others). Islam presents a balanced approach that integrates both personal responsibility and reliance on Allah (tawakkul).
🔹 1. Internal Locus of Control (Personal Responsibility)
Islam strongly emphasizes human agency, accountability, and striving for change.
Qur’an:
"Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves." — Surah Ar-Ra'd 13:11
"That man can have nothing but what he strives for." — Surah An-Najm 53:39
Sunnah:
"The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both. Strive for that which benefits you, seek the help of Allah, and do not feel helpless..." — Sahih Muslim 2664
This hadith explicitly encourages personal effort while also calling on divine assistance.
🔹 2. External Locus of Control (Reliance on Allah / Tawakkul)
Islam teaches that while humans act, the ultimate outcome is in the hands of Allah.
Qur’an:
"And you do not will except that Allah wills—Lord of the worlds." — Surah At-Takwir 81:29
"Say, 'Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.' And upon Allah let the believers rely." — Surah At-Tawbah 9:51
Sunnah:
“If you were to rely upon Allah with the reliance He is due, He would provide for you as He provides for the bird: it goes out hungry in the morning and returns full in the evening.” — Tirmidhi 2344
This shows external locus of trust—acknowledging Allah’s control—but paired with action (the bird still goes out).
🔹 Islamic Integration: Both Loci Together
Islam doesn't lean entirely toward internal or external control—it combines both:
- You are accountable for your choices and efforts.
- But results and success lie with Allah.
This is clear in:
"So when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him]." — Surah Aal Imran 3:159
🔁 Action + Tawakkul = Islamic Model
🔹 Summary Table:
| Concept | Islam’s View | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Internal control | Encouraged: You must strive, plan, and be responsible | Qur’an 13:11, 53:39, Hadith in Muslim |
| External control | Accepted: Ultimate outcome is from Allah | Qur’an 9:51, 81:29, Hadith in Tirmidhi |
| Balance | Act + Rely on Allah (tawakkul after effort) | Qur’an 3:159 |
Would you like this formatted into a short khutbah, Instagram post, or therapy journal reflection?
You said:
26 min in... the example of Hajar AS... reminds me of Samia QuranicOcean video listing even more examples of taking agency/action... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fH8XsoIFTI4
ChatGPT said:
Yes — the story of Hājar (AS) is a perfect Qur’anic embodiment of balanced locus of control in action. Around 26 minutes into the lecture (possibly from Shadee & Ubaydullah’s Family Night), Hājar’s unwavering trust in Allah (external) is paired with her desperate, determined running between Safa and Marwa (internal) — not once, but seven times.
🏃♀️ Hājar (AS) – Icon of Agency + Tawakkul
When she’s left in the barren desert with baby Isma’il:
- She asks questions (“Did Allah command this?”),
- When told yes, she submits, saying “Then He will not abandon us.”
- Yet she doesn’t sit and wait — she runs, searches, climbs, hopes, and strives...
🔁 Action + Faith = Zamzam.
This directly reinforces the Islamic view of:
- You move, even when odds are bleak.
- But Allah provides — often from unexpected sources (Zamzam from under the baby, not the hills).