Do I Suffer under Waswasa or Mental Health Issues?
Answered by Sidi Wasim Shiliwala
Question
I had a question regarding an abnormality I have been having.
For the past year or so, I keep dozing off and falling asleep at the most random times of the day. I have tried to get an accurate diagnosis but was unable to get a proper answer. I always fall asleep when listening to anything Islamic; I just find myself asleep within minutes. I feel like something is haunting me. I am always jumpy and feel like death is upon me. I am always paranoid of everyone around me to the point that I am now even paranoid about my own family.
Alhamdulillah, I pray and do my duas, however, I can’t explain why I feel like a curse is upon me, or perhaps I’m possessed by a Jinn. I can’t explain it, and when I do explain it to anyone, they think I am crazy, or it’s all in my head.
I do feel helpless and don’t know why these random sleep attacks, jumpy feelings, and feeling that death is upon me happen.
Answer
Jazakum Allahu Khairan, and may Allah ease you of your difficulties and cure you of your affliction.
Seeking Proper Medical Attention
Before addressing some of your concerns related to jinn and waswasa (Satanic whispers), I first advise that you exhaust all medical options. See a physician to ascertain whether or not the problem is related to physical or mental health, and follow his recommendations. Ensuring one’s health is part of the religion, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) told us that after belief, Allah provides nothing better than health. [Tirmidhi]
So if you haven’t done so already, the first piece of advice I have for you is to seek the advice of a doctor. Just as we go to religious scholars for advice on our religion, we go to doctors for advice on our physical and mental health. In all cases, we follow the advice of the experts. This is the path of moderation, which is the path advised by the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Do Not Withdraw from Your Family and Others
Although you are inclined to stay away from your family and from other Islamic environments due to your affliction, I encourage you to resist this urge as much as possible. Maintaining positive and healthy relationships with your family is from the sunnah. Similarly, you can increase your faith and decrease any sinister influences upon you by attending religious gatherings: congregational prayers at the masjid, Islamic classes, halaqas, and similar events.
Even if you cannot stay awake for the entirety of such events, you will still receive the benefit of attending them. The Prophet (peace be upon him) informed us that a special group of angels seeks out and attends gatherings wherein Allah’s name is invoked and praised, and that Allah grants mercy and forgiveness to all those who attend these blessed gatherings. [Muslim]
See the following answer for more advice on this issue: Satanic Whisperings Are Making Me Withdraw from Muslims
Increase in Prayers and Reliance Upon Allah
If the problem appears to be coming from sources that a medical doctor cannot treat – be they the actions of the jinn, black magic, or the whispering of Shaytan – then the solution is, for all cases, to seek Allah’s aid. Increase in remembrance and supplication, remove any haraam from your life, be firm in your religious obligations, and to establish the sunnahs as well.
For some specific guidance and supplications on dealing with these problems, see the following answers:
Protecting ourselves from Jinn
Above all, do not despair of Allah’s mercy. Trials and tribulations are a part of life, and oftentimes they contain hidden blessings that we cannot perceive until after they are over. I pray that Allah gives you patience through this test, that He makes it easy upon you, that He cures you of any problems you may have, and that He makes this a means for your sins to be forgiven. And only with Allah comes success.
Jazakum Allahu Khairan,
-Wasim
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
