Is the whispering of doubt in the heart considered hypocrisy, or does it indicate a weakness of faith in this person, given that he has no power to resist it and these whispers assail him frequently, especially when he intends to perform good deeds?

The questioner : The honorable Shaykh (may Allah preserve him) asks: Is the whispering of doubt in the heart considered hypocrisy, or does it indicate a weakness of faith in this person, given that he has no power to resist it and these whispers assail him frequently, especially when he intends to perform good deeds?

The Shaykh : The whispering of doubt in the heart is not hypocrisy, nor is it evidence of weak faith; rather, it is evidence of strong faith. However, a person must resist it. The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) complained to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) about these whispers, and he said: They said: Yes. He said: meaning pure faith. Then he (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered whoever experiences this to seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan and to stop. If a believer senses these whispers that Shaytan casts, he must seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan and stop. He should ignore them, and they will disappear by the will of Allah the Exalted. Thus, they are not evidence of hypocrisy or weak faith. The reason they are a sign of pure faith is that Shaytan does not come to a ruined heart to corrupt it, for it is already corrupt; rather, he comes to sound, pure hearts to corrupt their religion, certainty, and remembrance. It was narrated from Ibn Mas'ud or Ibn Abbas that the Jews used to say, "We do not experience whispers in our prayer," boasting of this. He said: "They spoke the truth, and what can Shaytan do with a ruined heart?" Shaytan does not come to a ruined heart to ruin it further. However, one who is afflicted with these whispers must seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan, not pay attention to them, and proceed with his work, whether worldly or hereafter-related. Yes.

The questioner : He says.