Whispers of Satan in Prayer 

Question:

What is the ruling of the frequent whispers of Satan that happen to one in prayer?  I usually lose focus during prayer to the extent that I assume that I am offering a different prayer other that the initial one. In addition, I sometimes forget the  number of rak`ah (unit of prayer), so I get confused about offering it again. What is the solution for such whispers?

Answer:

Shaytan (Satan) is our first enemy whose mission is misguiding the believers and diverting them from the way of light to the way of darkness and innovations. He always whispers to the Muslim to commit great sins such as killing, fornication, theft, drinking wine, and many other sinful acts.

If Satan fails to make a Muslim commit such great sins, he will do whatever he can to whisper evil things to confuse one about the matters of religion such as prayer or wudu’ (ablution). Almighty Allah says:

Indeed, Satan is an enemy to you; so take him as an enemy. He only invites his party to be among the companions of the Blaze. (Fatir 35:7)

`Uthman ibn Abu Al-`As reported that he came to Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) and said: “Allah’s Messenger, the Satan intervenes between me and my prayer and my reciting of the Qur’an and he confounds me. Thereupon Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said:, That is (the doing of a) Satan (devil) who is known as Khinzab, and when you perceive its effect, seek refuge with Allah from it and spit three times to your left. I did that and Allah dispelled that from me.” (Muslim)

Responding to this question, Dr. Muhammad Salah defines the concept of whispers of Satan (waswasah). Then he explains the etiquette of khushu` and how to avoid the whispers of Satan during paryer.

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Source: Iqra Youtube Channel.