Waswasah (Wasaawis)

The Definition of Waswasah in Light of the Shari’ah

Waswasah in the Shari’ah is defined as the stealthy whisperings and interferences of the Nafs and Shaytaan upon an individual which can  manifest itself in various forms and grades, ranging from
matters of purification and worship, to as deep as matters of an individual’s doctrines and dogmas.

We have deduced from your query that you are inquiring regarding those Waswasahs that become manifest due to overemphasized caution in religious matters.

This type of Waswasah has been defined in the following manner; “The Waswasah is that which becomes manifest in one’s self as a result of amplification in caution
and abstinence to the extent that an individual may carry out an action, and thereafter, due to the overriding of his Self (Nafs), he believes that he has not yet performed that very action. Because of which he begins repeating.”

In al-Qamus al-Muheet it is stated, “The Waswasah is such a Nafs and Shaytaan inspired-thought which does not contain any benefit or good.”

In the Quraan-e-Majeed

Allah Ta’aala states in the Noble Quran:

Translation: “We surely created man, and We are aware of what his soul whispers to him”
(Surah Qaf: 16)

Translation: “The Shaytaan promises you destitution and enjoins on you lewdness”
(Surah al-Baqarah: 268)

In the Ahaadeeth

Translation: “Verily, Allah has overlooked the whisperings of the Nafs, for my Ummah, as long as they do not act or speak accordingly.”

Translation: “Verily, there exists a Shaytaan at the time of ablution, he is known as “al-Walahaan”
(the Confuser). Therefore, beware of the Waswaas of the water.”

It is stated in Tuhfah al-Ahwazi in explanation of the Hadith, that Allaamah Tibi Rahimahullah has mentioned; “It Is Waswaas is that leads to one questioning oneself, “Did the water reach the appropriate limbs?”, “Did I wash once or twice?”, “Was the water pure or impure?” etc.

Dealing with the Waswasah

First and foremost, we would like to make clear that one should not feel defenselessness and despondent when dealing with the Waswasah. The very existence of these whisperings indicates towards the presence of Iman in one’s heart. As reported by Imam Muslim Rahimahullah in his Saheeh;

Translation: “Abu Hurairah has said, “A group of the Companions of Rasulullah approached, and said to Rasulullah , “We are experiencing such  thoughts in our hearts which are too grave to mention.” Rasulullah asked, “Is that so!?”, The Companions replied, “Yes.”. Upon this Rasulullah remarked, “That is the evidence of Iman”.

We have understood from this reply of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam  that Shaytaan’s whispering of these thoughts and his inspiring of such doubts is a form of his attack. He wishes to snatch that priceless Iman in the heart. Also, it is accepted that a thief does not attack one who has nothing to offer.

That being understood, we would like to clarify that the essence and legitimate form of piety and abstinence was that which has been observed by Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, practiced upon by his Companions , and adopted by the Pious Predecessors Rahimahullah of the Ummah.

“Therefore, whosoever wishes to break free from such an issue, must recognize that the truth lies in following Rasulullah in his commands and his actions. And he must confidently tread his path, with such conviction in which there does not exist a shadow of doubt that he is upon the Straight Path (as-Siraat al-Mustaqeem). And that which is contrary to this path is from the enticement of Iblis and his whisperings. Such a person should observe the lives of the Pious Predecessors and follow in their ways.”

Imam Nawawi Rahimahullah has made mention in his al-Majmu’; “..And if man wishes to achieve certainty in the matter of attaining purity, then there is nothing wrong, provided this does not result in Waswaas, which makes his life miserable, and vexes his acts of worship. Verily such an  outcome is contrary to the ways of the Pious Predecessors.”

The treatment of the Waswasah lies in observing the Sunnah, be it in regards to Istinjaa’, Wudhu’, Salah, or any other matter. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam has advised and inspired certain techniques and methods to curb and eventually eliminate such Waswasahs. For example, sprinkling the area of the private part with water after Wudhu’, washing the limb thrice thoroughly (Isbaagh), or removing the urine drops in the private part by coughing or taking a stroll etc. (Istibraa’). 

After observing the protocols and precautionary measures of each action if the Waswasah still happens to remain, then one should ignore it and carry on. By doing so, he will not be accountable for shortcomings, if any. Allah has made it incumbent upon you to treat these issues to the best of your ability, and that which is beyond your control is overlooked in the Shari’ah (as is understood from the aforementioned Hadith of Saheeh al-Bukhari and various other texts). However, by entertaining such whispers one may fail to fulfil the actual worship and action due to preoccupation. 

There are incidents of such individuals who were so caught up with treating the Waswasah that they would repeat the Tahreemah of a Salah to the extent that there was fear of the time expiring, or missing the Jumu’ah Salah with the Imam etc. By doing so, one would be walking straight into the  traps of Shaytaan.

Last but not least, one should always engage in supplication to Allah , and one should ask for deliverance from such tests and admit to his  weaknesses. Also, one should be punctual in reciting the daily Masnoon incantations (Duas), in which lies numerous priceless supplications and incantations of protection from Shaytaan and the Self (Nafs). Books like Munajat e Maqbul (Accepted Whispers) are highly recommended. And of course, if one has adopted a Spiritual Mentor (Shaykh) then it would be advisable to discuss the matter with him.