Praise be to Allah.
Sometimes we think of things that are not possible, and this leads us to overthink many things, like does Allah really exist, or is Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) really a prophet. All those are the devilish whispers and in this article, you will learn the causes and remedies of devilish whispers.
This state of mind is not to be taken with a lefty hand, because it’s whispers (Waswas) from Shaytaan who want to lead humans astray.
So, it is best you are reading this. So here are quick tips to reassure yourself and lift your spirit.
Devilish Whispers Don’t Invalidate You
It’s to be noted that these whispers have no implications, no ruling, and no Muslim becomes an apostate even if the whispers have to do with some fundamentals of belief.
However, the whispers don’t invalidate being a Muslim, but you should rest your mind and let Shaytaan lie dies with him.
As a proof for the forgiveness upon devilish Whispers, It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah has forgiven my ummah for whatever whispers [waswasah] cross their minds so long as they do not act upon it or speak of it.”- Narrated by al-Bukhaari (2391) and Muslim (127).
It’s Because Of Righteous Mind
In contrast, was it not that Shaytaan sees that you have a strong faith and righteous mind, this is true because he wants those who are on the right path to go disbelieve. His devilish whispers are part of his method to astray humans.
This was understood from the Hadith narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said:
“The Shaytaan may come to one of you and say: ‘Who created such and such, who created such and such?’ Until he says to him: ‘Who created your Lord?’ If it goes that far, let him seek refuge with Allah and stop (such thoughts).”
– Narrated by al-Bukhaari (3102) and Muslim (134).
Remedies For The Devilish Whispers
As you read above, the remedy is simply adhering to the instruction of the Prophet (PBUH), which is:
- Stop going along with those whispers
- Ignore them
- Seek refuge with Allah, say ‘I believe in Allah’
- Distract yourself from the devilish whispers by glorifying Allah
- Remember Him
- Send blessings upon the Prophet (PBUH)
An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
With regard to the words of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him): “let him seek refuge with Allah and stop (such thoughts)”, what is meant is:
If he is faced with these whispers, let him turn to Allah, may He be exalted, to help him ward off this evil. He should stop thinking about it and should realise that this thought is one of the whispers of the Shaytaan, who is only trying to corrupt him and mislead him.
So let him stop listening to these whispers and hasten to put a stop to them by focusing on something else. And Allah knows best.
Sharh Muslim (2/155, 156).
Conclusion
In short. Shaytaan wishes everyone to go astray and he devotes all his life to it, therefore, part of the method he uses is the devilish whispers.
That said, I believe you should be able to handle any negative whispers that come to your mind, after reading through the causes and remedies of devilish whispers.
I also advise you to read the book Talbees Iblees, by Abu’l-Faraj ibn al-Jawzi, in which he discusses this issue.
And Allah knows best.