How Do I Deal with Intrusive Thoughts about Disbelief (Kufr)?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

I have OCD, and I was doing pretty well at ignoring all of the intrusive thoughts, but I feel I have committed kufr because if I have a thought, I will do something intentionally that falls under the category of kufr in Islam, and sometimes it does not, so I ignore all of them and ask for general repentance at the end of the day. But now I feel like I’m persistent in kufr because I ignore right when I do the action. If I ignore all of them, I feel like I do that because I don’t want to be distressed and not to overcome doing kufr over and over.

Can you tell what compulsion is? I do a lot of kufr stuff subconsciously or deliberately. Is it permissible to ignore everyone and ask for general repentance even if I am certain that it is kufr?

Answer

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

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for seeking guidance.

I empathize with you going through these thoughts, especially with falling into disbelief (kufr). However, your concern and seeking direction is a sign of your faith, and Shaytan is whispering to you that you have committed disbelief and this is evil (kufr).

Angels Suggest Good; Satan Suggest Evil

Abdullah ibn Masud (Allah be pleased with him) reported, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Verily, Satan has influence with the son of Adam, and the angel has influence. As for the influence of Satan, he promises evil and denies the truth. As for the influence of the angel, he promises goodness and affirms the truth. Whoever finds this goodness, let him know that it is from Allah, and let him praise Allah. Whoever finds something else, let him seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan.” Then, the Prophet recited the verse, “Satan threatens you with poverty and commands evil, but Allah promises you forgiveness and grace from Him.” (Quran, 2:268) [Tirmidhi]

Try to Relax and Finding Other Ways

I advise you to try to relax and find ways to move out of your routine and do things slightly differently. Have someone with you always and go for walks and try various exercises. The fact that you are concerned shows you are a firm believer. The worry is a sign of faith. Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him) said: “Some of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace)  came to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and said to him, ‘We find in ourselves thoughts that are too terrible to speak of.’ He said, ‘Are you really suffering from that?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘That is a clear sign of faith.’” [Muslim]

Keep Your Tongue Moist with Isti’adha and the Following Dua

“أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ”

(I seek refuge in Allah from the rejected devil)

“.اَللّٰھُمَّ اجْعَلْ وَسَاوِسَ قَلْبِیْ خَشْیَتَکَ وَ ذِکْرَکَ وَاجْعَلْ ھِمَّتِیْ وَھَوَایٰ فِیْمَـا تُـحِبُّ وَ تَرْضٰی”

(O Allah! Render the thoughts and inclinations within my heart, to be Your fear and remembrance, and let my endeavor and desire be devoted to what You love and are pleased with) [Daylami, Musnad al-Firdaws]

Focus from now on; you are on your way to healing, and soon you will be, insha’ Allah. Read and watch the links below. Allah Most High knows you are a believer, and so does your family. Disbelief (kufr) is an active choice, not something that accidentally happens.

Ask Allah for ease and peace of mind. May Allah grant you that and much more. May He give you ease and relief and take you out of these thoughts, amin

Related:
Doubts – IPD Session #3 | COJ – an ISIP Youth Chapter Initiative
The Application of Islamic Psychotherapy for the Treatment of OCD
A Reader on OCD and Waswasa (Baseless Misgivings)

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersGuidance?

I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani