Is the law of attraction haram in Islam?

Salam to all readers.

Put it this way, to the best of my knowledge no such law is explicitly recognized in islam. however, reading through the quran and sunnah we can find affirmation for certain aspects of this philosophy and rejection of some aspects.

The point of agreement is that thoughts and intentions are ultimately significant. it is not only the material consequences of your actions that determine their worth but it is the motivation behind those actions.

A famous hadith of the prophet (peace be upon him) states:

"actions are by intentions, so each man will have what he intended". This hadith is foundational in islamic understanding. thus if we perform a mundane act with the right intention (e.g. eat food so we may have energy to serve god, provide for our family, etc.) then this act is elevated to an act of worship and is rewarded likewise. thus in the final accountability it is not the actions we do but the intentions behind them that are ultimately important.

[for a good discussion on the above hadith please visit: http://fortyhadith.iiu.edu.my/hadith01.htm ]

Beyond this, however, the agreement breaks down. if by negative experiences we mean trial and hardship, then the prophets who had the purest of thoughts and the greatest hope in god's (Allah) mercy received the toughest challenges during their lifetimes.

Allah says in the Quran:

(057:029)

Grace is in Allah's hand, He gives it to whom He pleases; and Allah is the Lord of mighty grace.

(002:155)

Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere, we might yet reconcile the two points of views. a believer, when he faces trial, is patient.

He is ever thankful to his lord and sees in each trial an opportunity to gain reward, to strengthen his faith and to purify his soul. so while from a material perspective he might be encountering a 'negative experience' his thoughts (rather his belief) transform this into a 'positive experience'.

The prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said:

"Amazing is the believer, for whatever Allah decrees for him! If he is tested with a bounty, he is grateful for it and this is better for him; and if he is afflicted with a hardship, he is patient with it and this is better for him."