Exremely severe waswasa when reciting quran and praying salah
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
I’ve been going through extremely severe waswasa when reciting Quran and praying salah. I repeat a same aayat and letter numerous times thinking that I’m not pronouncing right fearing the meaning will be changed. Sometimes it takes me over 40 minutes to recite Surah Yasin; and takes around 10 minutes to pray 2 rakah salah. I didn’t had this issues before, but have been experiencing since 1 year, Please help me, I’m very frustrated.
Answer
Wa ʿAlaykumus Salām Wa Rahmatullāhi Wa Barakātuh
We advise that before commencing the recitation of Qurʿān, then to consciously recite the Taʿawwudh:
أَعُوْذُ بِاللهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيْم
Translation: I seek refuge in Allāh from Shayṭān, the accursed.
To practice on the above holds much importance and will assist you against such Waswasah since they are from Shayṭān.
Furthermore, in order to overcome this problem, it would take some effort in training your mind to divert your attention from them.
However, it may also serve as an encouragement that you have become conscious regarding the correct pronunciation of the verses in Qur’ān; hence, striving to perfect your recitation will only bring about good for you and will be more rewarding.
The fact that it takes you longer to recite some portions of the Qur’ān also provides an opportunity to ponder over each word – that it is the speech of Allāh ﷻ.
The enquired scenario may best be looked at from a positive angle, notwithstanding the aspect of Taʿawwudh.