28 Aug Healing the Scarcity Mindset as a Muslimah

Let’s be honest…scarcity shows up in ways we don’t always notice. It’s that quiet voice that says: “I’m falling behind.” “I don’t have enough time.” “If I give too much, I’ll burn out.” “If I rest, I’ll lose momentum.”

As Muslim women- especially those who lead, nurture, and serve in multiple roles – it’s easy to feel like we’re constantly pouring from a half-empty cup. We give, we strive, we hold space for others. But underneath it all, there’s often a subtle fear: that there’s not enough. Not enough time, not enough energy, not enough space for us.

This is what we call a scarcity mindset. And it’s more common than we think.

🌿 What Is a Scarcity Mindset?

It’s a way of thinking rooted in lack. Often shaped by past experiences, cultural expectations, or environments that taught us we had to earn love, compete for space, or prove our worth.

It can look like:

• Comparing yourself to others constantly
• Feeling guilty for resting or receiving help
• Overcommitting because you’re afraid to miss out
• Holding back from giving because you’re scared of losing
• Feeling like you’re never doing enough, even when you’re exhausted

It’s not a flaw. It’s a survival response. But it’s also something we can gently unlearn.

🌸 Why It Matters for Us

As Muslims, we’re taught that rizq is written. That Allah is Al-Razzaaq, The Provider. That barakah multiplies when we give. That du’a opens doors no one else can close. But when scarcity creeps in, it disconnects us from these truths. It makes us feel like we’re alone in our efforts. Like we have to hustle to be worthy. Like we’re always behind. And for women navigating healing, growth, and leadership—it can feel like we’re never enough. That our worth is tied to how much we produce or how well we perform.  But that’s not how Allah sees us.

🧕🏽From Overwhelm to Trust

Fatimah*, a coaching client in her late 30s, came to me feeling deeply stuck. She was juggling her work as a community organizer, caring for her elderly parents, and trying to launch a side business rooted in healing. Every time she tried to rest, she felt guilty. Every time she gave to others, she feared she’d run out of energy. She described herself as “always behind,” even though she was doing more than most.

We began by gently naming the scarcity mindset. She realized she’d inherited beliefs like “I have to earn rest” and “If I slow down, I’ll lose everything.” These weren’t hers: they were echoes from childhood, culture, and burnout.

Through coaching, we worked on:

• Reframing rest as a spiritual act of trust
• Practicing receiving: whether it was help, compliments, or quiet moments
• Anchoring her worth in divine love, not productivity
• Creating rituals that reminded her of abundance (like gratitude journaling and du’a for ease)

Within weeks, Fatimah began to feel lighter. She started saying no without guilt. She rested without panic. Her business began to grow; not because she hustled harder, but because she aligned deeper. Her healing didn’t come from doing more. It came from trusting more.

(*Name changed for privacy.)

How Do We Start Healing?

Healing scarcity isn’t about pretending everything’s fine. It’s about slowly shifting from fear to trust. From control to surrender. From lack to divine abundance.

Here’s where we can begin:

1. Remember Who Provides

Allah is Al-Razzaq, Al-Karim, Al-Wahhab. Your provision doesn’t depend on your hustle. Your worth isn’t measured by your output. Your healing isn’t limited by your past.

2. Notice Where Scarcity Shows Up

Start with awareness. Where do you feel tightness or fear? Is it in your finances, your relationships, your time, your spiritual growth? Gently name it. That’s the first step to releasing it.

3. Practice Receiving

Many of us are comfortable giving, but struggle to receive. Whether it’s a compliment, help, rest, or love: practice saying yes. Receiving is not weakness. It’s part of balance.

4. Reframe Rest

Rest isn’t laziness. It’s trust. It’s saying, “I don’t have to do it all. Allah sees my intention.” When we rest with presence, we allow space for barakah to enter.

5. Keep Resonant Reminders Close

Surround yourself with verses, du’as, and affirmations that remind you of abundance. One of my favourites:

“And whoever relies upon Allah—then He is sufficient for him.” (Surah At-Talaq, 65:3)

Let these words hold you when scarcity tries to speak louder.

💛 A Note From My Heart to Yours

If you’re navigating life transitions and feel like you’re not doing enough… If you’re simply trying to be present and feel like you’re falling behind…Pause. Breathe. You are not behind. You are not lacking. You are not alone. Your journey is not a race: it’s a return. And Allah’s mercy is not scarce. It’s vast, personal, and always available.

You are already held. And there is room for you here.

R