Do Whispered Thoughts Count as Speaking in the Hadith?

Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Weltch

Question

Does whispering thoughts to oneself count as “speaking of it” in the hadith about forgiven thoughts, and is one accountable for such speech?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,

“Indeed, Allah has pardoned for my community its (sinful) thoughts as long as they do not act upon them or speak of them.” [Bukhari; Muslim]

This narration relates to thoughts (or whispers) to do or say something that is sinful. Thus, if someone, despite the whisper urging them towards sin, does not do or say that sinful action or speech, they are not taken into account. As for sinful beliefs or thoughts that stem from blameworthy traits of the heart, such as arrogance and jealousy, then one is taken to account for them, if they are voluntarily adopted by the heart—i.e., not just a passing thought. [‘Ali Qari, Mirqat al-Mafatih]

Hope this helps
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a teacher of Arabic, Islamic law, and spirituality. After accepting Islam in 2008, he went on to study at Darul Uloom Seminary in New York and completed his studies at Darul Mustafa in Tarim, Yemen.

There, he completed the memorization of the Quran and his study of Islamic Sciences. Throughout his years of study, he was blessed to learn from many great scholars: Habib Umar bin Hafiz, Habib Kazhim al-Saqqaf, Shaykh ‘Umar bin Husayn al-Khatib, and others.

Upon returning, he joined the SeekersGuidance faculty in the summer of 2019.