I Always Think That I Have Lost My Wudu During Prayer. What Can I Do?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question:As salam alaykum,

Praying for me has become a very difficult task. I have difficulty sustaining Wudu, as I have confusions regarding whether or not I passed wind. Most of the time, I have to stop mid-prayer and repeat the entire process. Also, I feel as if I have urine issues.

These occurrences really discourage me.

What can I do?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,

Ask Allah Most High to lift your hardship, and read The OCD Workbook by Bruce Hyman.

Feelings are of no legal consequence. Further, you are only responsible to the extent of your ability, which is in responding to situations which arise. As for “it may not have been valid,” this is simply neurotic misgivings and advertisements from Hell, from a devil who hopes you end up leaving Islam.

Pray, paying no attention to feelings and thoughts, and rely upon Allah Most High. Ibn Ata’illah al-Sikandari said, “From amongst the signs of relying upon actions is the lessening of hope when slips occur.” [al-Hikam]

Please see: A Reader on Waswasa (Baseless Misgivings) and: A Reader on Ritual Purity, Urine Leakage and Misgivings

And Allah Most High alone knows best.

wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Photo: Jorge Quinteros