The Power of Presence in Islam: Anchoring the Heart in the Now
How Islamic Teachings and Neuroscience Align on the Transformative Value of Living in the Present Moment
Introduction
In a world obsessed with the past and anxious about the future, Islam offers a profound invitation: to root ourselves in the present moment. The present is not just a fleeting instant—it is the only reality we truly possess. Both the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) emphasise the spiritual and psychological power of presence. Modern neuroscience, too, affirms that our well-being and courage are only accessible when we are grounded in the now.
The Illusion of Time and the Reality of Qadr
Time, as we perceive it, is a construct that helps us make sense of Allah’s decree (qadr). The Qur’an reminds us:
“No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register before We bring it into being—indeed that, for Allah, is easy.” (Quran, Surah al-Hadid, Chapter 57, The Iron, Verse 22)
This verse points to the simultaneity of past, present, and future in Allah’s knowledge. Yet, our conscious access is limited to the present. It is only in this moment that we can make dua (supplication), take action, and experience change.
The Sunnah of Presence
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) embodied presence. He did not dwell on the past nor become anxious about the future. Instead, he responded to each moment with intention and trust. As he said:
“If the Day of Judgment begins and you have a seed in your hand, plant it.” (Musnad Ahmad, also narrated in sources such as Nahj al-Balagha, Hikmah 431)
This hadith is a call to act in the present, regardless of what the future holds.
The Qur’an further instructs:
“So do not grieve over what has passed, nor rejoice excessively in what He has given you.” (Quran, Surah al-Hadid, Chapter 57, The Iron, Verse 23)
Imam Ali (peace be upon him) also advised:
“The past is gone, the future is unseen, and the present is a gift. Use it well.” (Nahj al-Balagha, Hikmah 336)
The Cost of Leaving the Present
When we abandon the present, our minds become overactive, leading to anxiety and depression. Regret over the past and fear of the future dysregulate our nervous system. The Quran reassures:
“Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Quran, Surah ar-Ra’d, Chapter 13, The Thunder, Verse 28)
Remembrance (dhikr) can only truly happen in the present. The Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) would often sit in silence, cultivating stillness—the very state in which revelation descended.
Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said:
“Silence is one of the gates to wisdom. Silence brings love, and it is a guide to all that is good.” (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 78, p. 335)
Why Presence is the Portal to Divine Guidance
Allah’s guidance is not found in our timelines or mental projections, but in our stillness. When we are lost in “what ifs,” our hearts become scattered and unable to receive. Tawakkul (trust in Allah) is only possible when we surrender the urge to control time and outcomes.
Neuroscience and the Now
Modern neuroscience shows that the neural pathways for courage and peace are only activated when we are present. The Reticular Activating System in the brain filters reality based on what we focus on in the moment. In quantum terms, attention collapses probability into reality.
The Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) never rushed or multitasked. He said:
“He who is hasty will not attain his goals.” (Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 146)
Intentions, which are the seeds of destiny, are always planted in the present.
Action Plan: Cultivating Presence
1. One Present Moment of Shukr:
Pause and name one thing you’re grateful for. This simple act lowers cortisol and builds neural safety.
2. 5-Second Presence Reset:
Place your hand on your chest, take a deep breath, and whisper: “Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum, Bi Rahmatika Astagheeth.” (O Living, O Self-Sustaining, by Your mercy I seek help.) This shifts your attention from anxiety to divine alignment.
3. Drop the Story:
Don’t chase the “why.” Just feel and observe. This breaks rumination and activates stillness.
4. The Present-Focused Dua:
Ask Allah for what brings you closer to Him today, not for solutions to the entire future. Dua is about closeness, not control.
5. Trust the Author of Time:
Let go of the timeline. Let Allah surprise you. Barakah (divine blessing) only exists where the ego isn’t fighting time.
Conclusion
Presence is not just a psychological tool—it is a spiritual imperative. The Quran, the teachings of the Prophet, and the wisdom of the Imams all point to the transformative power of living in the now. When we anchor ourselves in the present, we open the portal to guidance, peace, and destiny.