What is the ruling on reading and delving into books and topics concerning the "subconscious mind" and related "self-development" concepts such as neurolinguistic programming (NLP) and the law of attraction? Are there any books in this field that do not contradict Islamic law? What is the ruling on listening to motivational videos?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The theories of the unconscious mind and neuro-linguistic programming are based on atheistic philosophical doctrines, and therefore there are no books with sound content about them. It is advisable to leave this field and seek reliable Islamic motivational books, such as "So That You Are Not Nothing" by Awad al-Qarni, "Ambition: A Path to the Summit" by Muhammad Musa al-Sharif, "Pages from the Patience of Scholars" by Abdul Fattah Abu Ghuddah, "High Ambition" by Muhammad Ismail al-Muqaddim, and books by Abdul Karim Bakkar. One can benefit from what Les Brown offers if it is free from anything that contradicts Islamic law.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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