Throughout human history, people have tried to make sense of the forces that shape their lives. For us as Muslims, our understanding of destiny, protection, and success is anchored in faith in Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) power and wisdom. Yet, in daily life, many turn to ideas like Karma, Jinx, or Nazzar (the Evil Eye) to explain misfortunes or successes. These concepts are not from Islam; they’re often rooted in misunderstandings or borrowed from other belief systems. My goal in this article is to explain why true peace and resilience come from relying on Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala alone and not on these human created myths.
From the start, we’ve been given examples of Allah (swt) wisdom and authority. Shaytaan was one of the first beings to defy Allah (swt), refusing to honor Adam (AS). This act of pride led to Shaytaan’s downfall, showing us what happens to those who turn away from Allah (swt) commands. Over time, Allah (swt) justice has unfolded through various generations, as seen with the destruction of communities in the time of Prophet Noah (AS) and the people of Prophet Lut (AS). Back then, the punishment was immediate; people saw the consequences of disobedience right before their eyes.
Today, however, Allah (swt) allows us more time to choose our paths and reflect. But even with this patience, Allah (swt) attributes remain: He is still the All-Powerful, the Most Merciful, and the Best Planner. As the Quran says, He alone is responsible for the fate of all creation:
To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and whatever is within them. He has power over all things.
(Quran 5:120)And Allah is the best of planners. (Quran 3:54)
He created the heavens and the earth in truth and formed you and perfected your forms; and to Him is the [final] destination.
(Quran 64:3)
In our fast-paced world, however, we often overlook these verses. Instead, we begin to rely on concepts like Karma, Jinx, or Nazzar (Evil Eye) to explain events. But why? These beliefs give a sense of immediate cause and effect, an illusion of control over what happens to us. Yet, believing in such ideas inadvertently diminishes our faith in Allah’s ultimate plan and protection.
Why Allah (swt) Power Surpasses Karma, Jinx, and Nazzar (Evil Eye)
Allah (swt) wisdom and justice encompass everything, including what we understand and what we don’t. When we believe in Allah (swt) alone, we don’t need explanations like Karma or Jinx because we know that everything is part of His divine plan. Allah (swt) doesn’t rely on luck or fate in the way humans might think; His wisdom is beyond any human comprehension.
Consider Pharaoh, as mentioned in the Quran. He was wealthy and powerful, ruling with an iron fist and enslaving his people. Some might even view him as a “successful” ruler by worldly standards, yet his arrogance led him to defy Allah (swt), even claiming divinity. Despite his immense power, he met his end in the Red Sea, where Allah (swt) preserved his body as a lasting reminder of what happens to those who rebel against His commands. Pharaoh’s fate is a profound lesson that no one, no matter how strong or influential, can challenge Allah (swt) authority.
As the Quran says:
This day We shall preserve your body, that you may become a sign to those who come after you! But verily, many among mankind are heedless of Our signs. (Quran 10:92)
If Pharaoh lived in our times, he might be considered one of the most cruel powerful figures in the world, a leader with seemingly unlimited control. Yet, even with all his influence, he was defeated by Allah (swt), his body left as a warning to humanity. This demonstrates an essential truth: no amount of wealth, power, or influence can stand against Allah (swt) will. Truly, no human, no matter the era or “universe” could ever match Allah (swt) might.
Why Do People Believe in Karma, Jinx, and Nazzar?
Karma, Jinx, and Nazzar (Evil Eye) are appealing because they seem to explain the things we don’t understand. Karma promises that “what goes around, comes around,” while Jinx and the Evil Eye imply that someone else’s jealousy or negativity can bring harm. But these concepts ultimately rely on a worldview that Allah (swt) wisdom and protection overrule. When we put our trust in Allah (swt), we recognize that nothing happens without His permission. No amount of envy, “bad luck,” or supposed curse can harm us if Allah (swt) does not will it.
In the Quran, Allah (swt) reassures us of His protection:
And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him; and if He intends for you good, then there is no repeller of His bounty. (Quran 10:107)
This verse is a powerful reminder that Allah (swt) alone controls what happens to us. Believing in anything else is a form of shirk, or associating others with Allah (swt) power, which is a grave sin. When we start to place our faith in Karma, Jinx, or Nazzar (Evil Eye), we lose sight of Allah (swt) role as our protector and guide.
Building a Mindset of Tawakkul (Trust in Allah)
So, what does it mean to fully place our trust in Allah (swt)? It means that we recognize His wisdom in every situation, even when we don’t understand it. Practicing tawakkul, or reliance on Allah (swt), frees us from the anxiety and fear that come with beliefs in Karma or the Evil Eye. If something difficult happens, we know it is a test from Allah (swt). If we achieve success, we thank Allah (swt) for His blessings. This mindset is incredibly powerful because it removes the need to control every detail of our lives, giving us peace and contentment.
One practical way to practice tawakkul is through gratitude and humility. Each time we accomplish something, we should say, “Masha’Allah,” recognizing that Allah (swt) is the source of our success. Instead of thinking, “I earned this entirely by my own effort,” we can say, “Alhamdulillah, Allah (swt) blessed me with this opportunity.” Gratitude not only humbles us but also serves as a shield against envy or negativity from others.
Trust in Allah (swt): The Path to Inner Peace
Many of the anxieties we face today stem from a lack of trust in Allah (swt). When we put faith in concepts like Karma or Jinx, we open ourselves to needless worry. “Will my success bring bad luck?” “Is someone giving me the Evil Eye?” These questions only arise when we forget that Allah (swt) is our protector.
Here’s a practical approach to letting go of these fears:
- Constantly Remember Allah (swt): Keep Allah (swt) in your heart and mind throughout the day. Recite “Bismillah” when starting anything, and thank Allah often.
- Believe in Divine Wisdom: Remind yourself that Allah (swt) knows best, even when situations seem difficult. Trusting in His wisdom helps us accept His will, regardless of the circumstances.
- Practice Gratitude: Saying “Alhamdulillah” or “Masha’Allah” for blessings keeps us grounded and reminds us of Allah (swt) mercy.
- Pray for Protection: When you feel anxious about the Evil Eye or other fears, pray sincerely. The Quran tells us that Allah (swt) is our best protector: “And Allah is the best of protectors, and He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.” (Quran 12:64)
- Read the Quran and Seek Guidance: The Quran is filled with verses that bring comfort and wisdom, reminding us of Allah (swt) power. Regularly reading the Quran strengthens our faith and reinforces our reliance on Allah (swt).
Conclusion: Allah (swt) Alone is Sufficient
Ultimately, our lives and destinies are in Allah (swt) hands, not in the hands of concepts like Karma, Jinx, or Nazzar (Evil Eye). When we deepen our faith in Allah (swt) and turn to Him for guidance, we are no longer bound by superstitions or unfounded fears. Placing our trust in Allah (swt) above all else allows us to live with purpose, peace, and gratitude. The more we rely on Him, the more we can let go of beliefs that weaken our faith. Insha’Allah, may we all strive to remember that Allah (swt) is our protector, our guide, and the source of all blessings.
Note:
“Allah” is the Arabic word for God, referring to the One and only God.
“Subhanahu wa ta’ala” (SWT) is an Arabic phrase that translates to “The most glorified, the most high”. It is a Muslim honorific used to refer to God.
“Nazzar” is an Urdu term that translates to the “Evil Eye” or “Black Eye” in English. It refers to the belief that envious or negative energy from others can bring harm or misfortune. However, as explained, our faith in Allah’s protection and wisdom is far greater than any superstition, reinforcing that we are under His watchful care alone.