How Do I Combat Thoughts of Disbelief That Enter My Mind?

Answered by Sidi Faraz A. Khan

Question: I recently had trouble with 1 ayat in the Qur’an. I took it out of context and thoughts of doubt flooded my heart. I almost even skipped one of my salat. During this prayer I had all sorts of disheartening thoughts. I later found out i was misinterpreting this verse and praised Allah. But I just don’t want to become like the hypocrite who believes one second then chooses disbelief.  I felt a that moment I was walking a fine line. What can I do?

Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,

I pray this finds you in the best of health and faith.

Your fear of hypocrisy is a sign of your iman.

Doubts and thoughts of disbelief are from the devil. Take the means to ward him off, as taught by our Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him).

These include the following:

(a) Seek refuge in Allah Most High, by saying, A’udhu bi Llahi min ash-shaytani r-rajim [Bukhari, Muslim]; and recite Ayat al-Kursi, as well as the last three surahs (Ikhlas, Falaq, Nas) [Tabarani, Mu’jam Kabir].

(b) Find good company – people who make much remembrance of Allah, and who remind you to do the like, such as those described by the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) as follows: “Verily among people are keys to Allah’s remembrance – when they are seen, Allah is remembered.” [Tabarani, Mu’jam Kabir]

(c) Turn to Allah and seek His help in this situation. As Ibn Ata’illah says, “No task is arduous if you seek to fulfill it through your Lord, and no task is facilitated if you seek to fulfill it through yourself.”

And Allah knows best.

wassalam

Faraz

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani