Tempting thoughts
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Question
Can you give some advice on a small problem. I try my best to practice my religion and attend zikr every week... the problem I've recently had is strong emotional set backs meaning tempting thoughts on stupid things like Am I gay (I strongly appose this) but at the time of the thought I feel overcome by another force but I have calm my self down...Answer
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
The scholars explain that what you are experiencing are whisperings from Shaytan. Shaytan is a thief, and thieves only attack houses with wealth. Similarly, Shaytan only attacks hearts with faith. Thank Allah for this faith—this is step one.
Step two is to seek refuge in Allah from Shaytan, by saying A`udhu bi Llahi min ash-Shaytan ir-Rajeem (‘I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan’).
Step three is to make a little remembrance of Allah (e.g. saying ‘Alhamdulillah’ or ‘La ilaha illa Allah’) and to be thankful to Allah and joyous for the blessing and gift of faith and practice. The remembrance of Allah is light, and it dispels the darkness of Shaytan and his whisperings, and brings peace to the heart.
With this, the best spiritual medicine and most beloved of actions to Allah is leaving the haram and migrating from its dark lands to the vast plains of piety.
And Allah alone gives success.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani
This answer was published by SunniPath and is preserved as written. Rulings can depend on circumstances; for your own situation, consult a qualified scholar.
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