How to Handle Constant Waswasa in Acts of Purification and Worship

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: Aslamulaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barkkatuh

I understand that the scholars have agreed that the best remedy for waswaas is to simply ignore it and inshAllah it will definitely go away. However does this not go against the Sunnah as I thought the Hadith advice seeking refuge with Allah from the shaytan? I feel that they contradict as I often find my thoughts are partly controlled by the shaytan, my mind cannot focus well and I often forget the remembrance of Allah.

If my mind naturally wonders like even the minds of non-Muslims may wonder about any worries, memories, etc, shall I seek refuge with Allah from the shaytan?

Due to my mind wondering so much I used to take 1 hour on average to take a shower, use the toilet, and make wudu,  but I have now reduced the problem by doing everything quickly.  But I feel this may be against the Sunnah as a Hadith mentions that haste is from the shaytan? Do the Hadith actually advice ignoring the waswaas?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,

I pray that you are in the best of health and faith, insha’Allah.

Listening to misgivings (waswasa) is contrary to the sunna. Misgivings are from the devil and are to be shunned at all costs. It is not from piety to listen to misgivings and then try to “fix” the problem.

Waswasa comes about from an ignorance of the sunna. The religion is ease. If there is not ease, there is no sunna. If there is waswasa, the sunna is missing.

Do not think about the waswasa, and you won’t have to deal with it. Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah, and remember Him in all of your states. Think about the blessings you enjoy, and thank Allah for them. Make fervent supplication from your heart for Allah to lift the whisperings from you– the One who sent the trial is the only One who can lift it from you. Respond to the trial appropriately, and it can turn it into a blessing. And please see related answers in the Answers Blog.

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Strange indeed are the affairs of the believer, for all their affairs are for their good–and that is for none but a (true) believer. If pleasing things happen, they’re thankful, and that is good for them; and if distressful things happen, they remain patient, and that too is good for them.” [Muslim]

See also: A Reader on Waswasa (Baseless Misgivings)  and: Satanic Whisperings (Waswasa) as a Trial from Allah: Punishment or Blessing?

And Allah alone gives success.

Wassalam,

Tabraze Azam