Q: Someone used to commit major sins. Later, Allah granted him guidance. He was suffering from a mental illness but was cured and is now feeling better. As a result, he is affected with Satanic whispers and suspicions while performing Istinja' (cleansing the private parts with water after urination or defecation), Wudu' (ablution), saying Takbir (utterance of Allah is the greatest), reciting Qur'an in the Salah (prayer) and performing the rest of the pillars of Salah. Examples of these suspicions include the repetition of Takbir and Basmalah (saying, "Bismillah Al-Rahman, Al-Rahim [In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful]"), getting tongue-tied for a while and having imaginations about things concerning the actions and sayings of Salah.

A: He should exert effort to push away and get rid of these insinuations and baseless whispers. He should pay no attention to them. Moreover, he should regard his actions and sayings concerning Wudu' and Salah as valid. He should occupy himself with useful matters and persevere it with the prescribed Dhikr in Salah and Wudu', and ponder over the meaning of Basmalah and Shahadah (Testimony of Faith) mentioned at the end of Wudu'. As for Salah, he should think of the greatness of Allah at the beginning of Salah and reflect on the meanings of Surah Al-Fatihah, the Qur'anic Ayahs following it, Tahmid (saying: "Al-hamdu lillah [All praise is due to Allah]") and Tasbih (glorification of Allah) mentioned during bowing and prostration respectively. Moreover, he should contemplate Allah's Majesty and Glory showing humility to Him to help himself get rid of these obsessions. Additionally, he should invoke Allah to ward off (Part No. 7; Page No. 161) these worldly thoughts and suspicions, and seek refuge with Him from Satan. We ask Allah to protect you and help you dispose of things that preoccupy you in worship. It is He Who responds to supplications.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.