A Critical Study of Semantic Relationship between "Du`aʿ" and "Desire" in Islamic Teachings and the Law of Attraction

In this study, by a comparative method and analyzing the components of communication, content, belief, motivation and tendency, semantic relationship of prayer, du`aʿ, in Islamic culture and "desire" in the law of attraction is discussed. Prayer is based on the components of which desire and faith are the pillars, but the most important concept in the law of attraction is desire. As understood by the findings of the study, prayer/desire and faith/belief may not be taken to be in agreement in Islam and the law of attraction. Prayer is based on rationally realistic and defensible ontological foundations, and epistemologically viewing, it seeks superior content and its goal is to promote human existence. Instinctive need, ontological poverty, knowledge`s state of being agent for awareness, transcendence-giving love, existential perfection-seeking and moral life are viewed as the foundations and requisites of prayer in Islam. But in the law of attraction, serious critiques against the foundations of "desire" can be proposed. In addition, it may not be defensible in terms of the purpose and dimensions of perfection-seeking.