{"_id":"676c96d4744ca1ad03277278","title":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"How can overcome interruptive thoughts (waswas) in prayer and in general?\\n\"}]}","question":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"I often get these interruptive thoughts - they are unnecessary, disruptive, ridiculous, and disagreeable. They are quick but constant and I get them during prayer, reading Quran, watching tv, reading a book, all the time and anytime. They disturb my prayer because I feel like I have to stop in the middle of the Surah to say Astaghfirullah.\\n\\nI’ve tried concentrating on what I’m reading, and it’s meaning to keep focused, but the thoughts are very strong and intrusive and always slip in. Is there anyway to overcome this? I keep praying for my mindset and mental health to become stronger for a long time now but I have not seen any improvements.\"}]}","answer":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"It sounds like you’re experiencing what is known as waswas (whispers or intrusive thoughts), which can be very distressing, especially when they occur during acts of worship like prayer or reciting the Quran. These thoughts are often a tactic of Shaytan to distract and disturb you, trying to pull you away from the serenity and focus you seek in your worship.\\n\\nFirst, it's important to understand that having such thoughts does not diminish the value of your worship or make you sinful. The Prophet Muhammad (ṣalla-l-lāhu ʿalaihi wa sallam) said:\\n\\n“إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَجَاوَزَ عَنْ أُمَّتِي مَا وَسْوَسَتْ بِهِ صُدُورُهَا، مَا لَمْ تَعْمَلْ بِهِ أَوْ تَتَكَلَّمْ\\n\\\"Allah has forgiven my followers the thoughts that occur in their minds, as long as such thoughts are not put into action or uttered\\\" (Sahih al-Bukhari).\\n\\nThis means that you are not held accountable for involuntary thoughts, as long as you do not act on them.\\n\\nSome steps that might help you manage these intrusive thoughts:\\n\\n\"},{\"attributes\":{\"bold\":true,\"underline\":true},\"insert\":\"Ignore the Thoughts\"},{\"insert\":\"\\nWhen such thoughts come to you during prayer or Quran recitation, try to ignore them and continue with your worship. The more attention you give them, the more they might persist. By ignoring them, you weaken their power over you.\\n\\n\"},{\"attributes\":{\"bold\":true,\"underline\":true},\"insert\":\"Seek Refuge in Allah\"},{\"insert\":\"\\nBefore starting your prayer or reciting the Quran, say \\\"A'udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim\\\" (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil). If the thoughts still persist, you can silently seek refuge from Shaytan during your worship as well. Also recite surat al-Naas before beginning your prayer.\\n\\n\"},{\"attributes\":{\"bold\":true,\"underline\":true},\"insert\":\"Focus on the Meaning\"},{\"insert\":\"\\nWhile you mentioned that you’ve tried concentrating on the meaning of what you’re reading, continue to do so and deepen your understanding of the Quranic verses or the supplications in your prayer. Sometimes, engaging with the meaning on a deeper level can help anchor your focus.\\n\\n\"},{\"attributes\":{\"bold\":true,\"underline\":true},\"insert\":\"Do Not Interrupt Your Worship\"},{\"insert\":\"\\nIf these thoughts occur, avoid interrupting your prayer or recitation to say astaghfirullah. Instead, stay focused on completing your worship.\\n\\n\"},{\"attributes\":{\"bold\":true,\"underline\":true},\"insert\":\"Increase Your Dhikr\"},{\"insert\":\"\\nOutside of prayer, try to increase your daily dhikr. This can help strengthen your mental and spiritual resilience against these thoughts.I would recommend that you make a habit of reading surah al-Naas eleven times in the morning and in the evening.\\n\\nRemember, Allah knows your struggles, and your effort to maintain focus and devotion despite these challenges is greatly valued. Keep making du'a for strength and clarity, and trust that Allah hears you and will provide relief, insha’Allah.\\n\\nMay Allah grant you peace of mind and a strong heart in your worship.\"}]}","tags":[{"_id":"668d9ff20b76658b4c2329f4","tag":"Worship: Repentance","count":63},{"_id":"668d9fef0b76658b4c232988","tag":"Quran: Other","count":56},{"_id":"668d9fe30b76658b4c232823","tag":"Worship: Remembrance","count":40},{"_id":"676a12b032bfcaa23a80b9c3","tag":"Waswas","count":3}],"createdOn":"2024-12-25T23:35:48.377Z"}