How Can I Stop My Misgivings About Purity?

Answered by Shaykh Farid Dingle 

Question

I would like to ask for advice regarding extreme waswas about purity. Is there any way to calm me so that I can get rid of the waswas in both a practical and spiritual manner?

Answer

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

Even if one is 99% certain that one has broken wudu, one does not need to make wudu and does not need to check. [Nawawi, Minhaj al-Talibin]

The Prophet (Allah bless him) was asked about a man who thinks that he passed wind in the prayer, and he said, “Let him not leave [the prayer] unless he hears something or smells something.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

This applies to urine just as it applies to gas.

You should just completely ignore the sensation of filth coming out of you.

You should also read the following answers and articles on OCD.

I would also personally advise you to see a psychiatrist and explain your issue to them. You are not insane or mentally ill, but what you are complaining about does seem like something a psychiatrist could help you overcome by exposure therapy.

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid Dingle
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language