There’s been a lot of talk over the last few years on social media about feminine versus masculine energy. You might have seen dating coaches and influencers alike trying to convince you that you’re not landing a man because you’re too focused on your “masculine” energy. I passively listened to those individuals, never really stopping to research what exactly they mean by feminine energy.

After some google searches, I still don’t have a formal definition of feminine versus masculine energy from a reputable source. There is however a WikiHow page that defines each type of energy as yin (feminine energy) and yang (masculine energy). It lists examples of yin or feminine energy traits like intuitive, nurturing, empathetic, flexible, receptive, and creative. It then goes on to define yang as masculine traits like being analytical, individualistic, projective, goal oriented, and having confidence. There were other articles that said these ideologies stem from spiritual practices in Greek mythology, Indian culture, and maybe even Christianity incorporating the term “divine” in front of feminine energy. In all instances, the feminine energy is thought to be a more soft, gentle, and flexible type of personality, while the masculine is more assertive, demanding, and responsible. 

While Islam rejects any such attributions to God, the principles of understanding generally what it means to be in touch with these two energy camps is clearly mapped out through a discussion of the differences between men and women. These differences allow us to take on different roles in the home and within society. In addition to understanding how Islam views these different roles, it is helpful to understand what it means to tap into your feminine or masculine energy as you navigate who you are and how you show up in the world. 

Masculine Energy

From some of the articles and videos I’ve seen, people who opt into this philosophy believe that all humans have both feminine and masculine energies which balance each other out. But most recently, masculine energy has been harped on by people like Mark Zuckerberg. After his physical transformation into a combination of a frat/ finance bro/ wanna-be-Eminem, he went on a podcast hosted by Joe Rogan that featured toxic masculinity at its finest. Zuckerberg said he believed corporations today need more masculine energy and that they had been “neutered.” Unfortunately, he didn’t provide a clear definition for what this looks like, but coming from him it doesn’t sound good. 

Masculine energy whether it’s personified in a man or woman has an element of control or dominance. I think it’s important for women to tap into this energy as they assert themselves in the work place or even in homes with overbearing or controlling male figures. However, it’s important to balance this out with more feminine characteristics as well.

Feminine Energy

If you’re looking to tap into your feminine energy, you’ll want to concentrate on being more “demure.” Now, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have any opinions or that you become a pushover. Feminine energy just means that you are more restrained in certain moments; you don’t need to always rush to make a point or be the loudest in the room, but instead you allow people to seek out your knowledge and opinion. If you’re in a relationship or a marriage, you allow your man to lead and signal that you will follow. 

In reality, both men and women need to demonstrate that they know when to step up and lead and when it’s okay to follow, but for women being in tune with our feminine energy is particularly key to living a balanced life that is in line with Islam.