Waswasa
Question
As Salamu Alaykum, I have thoughts that come in my brain that are really tiring and exhausting. These thoughts come constantly all the time throughout the day. For example one thought that comes is if my sleeping blanket or pillow fell on the floor then i have to change the cover because mice walks on the floor (mice do walk on my floor but we also clean our floors) and if i use this pillow and blanket i will get a disease and if i die from the disease this will be suicide and Allah will not take me to jannah. Another thing is that if my touch my hair or my skin then touch or itch my eye thoughts come to me that if i don’t wash my hand before touching my eye, and if my eyes turn blind Allah will never fix them even in jannah because i did them on purpose because i didn’t wash my hands. I have to wash my hand constantly because of this. There are many more thoughts like these ones that come to me constantly throughout the day and it’s extremely exhausting to me. My question is should i keep listening to these thoughts? Is it suicide if i don’t listen? are these situations really considered to be suicide? Please answer this question. Thank you.
Answer
Wa’alaykum as-Salām wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuhu,
The thoughts you’re experiencing are often associated with a condition known as Waswās al-Qahri (compulsive whisperings), which can lead to excessive worry and ritualistic behavior. These thoughts are not unique to you and are a known challenge for many individuals.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): What you’re describing aligns closely with the symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a mental health condition that involves persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). OCD can make a person feel trapped in a cycle of thoughts and behaviors that are difficult to control, leading to significant distress.
- Listening to These Thoughts: It is important to understand that these thoughts are not rational and do not represent actual dangers. Continuously listening to and acting upon them can lead to further distress and exacerbate the situation. Instead, you should try to ignore these thoughts as much as possible. They are not a reflection of your true intentions or actions.
- Suicide Concerns: The scenarios you described, such as not washing your hands or using a blanket that touched the floor, are not acts of suicide. In Islamic teachings, suicide refers to the intentional act of taking one’s own life. These intrusive thoughts about hygiene or potential harm do not constitute suicide, nor do they bear any implications for your status in the Hereafter.
- Islamic Perspective on Intrusive Thoughts: Islam recognizes that such thoughts can be burdensome and acknowledges that they are not within your control. The Prophet (ṣallAllāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) advised against giving in to Waswās (whisperings from Shayṭān) and emphasized that Allah does not hold a person accountable for thoughts that they do not act upon.
Practical Steps:
- Increase in Dhikr: Regularly engaging in dhikr (remembrance of Allah) can help in overcoming Waswās. Specifically, recite the Muʿawwidhāt (Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nās) frequently.
- Stay Calm and Trust Allah: Recognize that these thoughts are not reflective of your faith or your fate. Trust in Allah’s mercy and focus on maintaining a balanced approach in your daily life.
- Seek Professional Help: Given the nature of your symptoms, it is advisable to consult a mental health professional who is experienced in treating OCD and who understands your religious background. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in managing OCD and can help you develop strategies to reduce the power of these intrusive thoughts.
- Medication: In some cases, medication prescribed by a qualified psychiatrist may also be helpful in reducing the intensity of OCD symptoms.
May Allah grant you ease and relief from these burdensome thoughts, and may He strengthen your heart and mind.
And Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala knows best.