The ruling on turning one’s head in prayer to seek refuge from Satan
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Q: A woman asks about the ruling on turning one’s head in prayer to seek refuge from Satan (Khanzab)?
A: Turning one’s head in prayer to seek refuge in Allah from Satan the Rakeeb when experiencing waswas (whispers) is not blameworthy; rather, it is recommended when there is a strong need for it, using only the head. This is because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered Uthman ibn Abi al-As al-Thaqafi (may Allah be pleased with him) to do so when he complained to him about the waswas of Satan he was experiencing. He ordered him to spit to his left three times and seek refuge in Allah from Satan. He did so, and Allah cured him of it.
As for turning one’s head in prayer without a reason, it is disliked. This is based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) when asked about it:Sahih al-Bukhari 751 May Allah guide everyone to what He is pleased with, for He is the All-Hearing, the Responsive.
A: Turning one’s head in prayer to seek refuge in Allah from Satan the Rakeeb when experiencing waswas (whispers) is not blameworthy; rather, it is recommended when there is a strong need for it, using only the head. This is because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered Uthman ibn Abi al-As al-Thaqafi (may Allah be pleased with him) to do so when he complained to him about the waswas of Satan he was experiencing. He ordered him to spit to his left three times and seek refuge in Allah from Satan. He did so, and Allah cured him of it.
As for turning one’s head in prayer without a reason, it is disliked. This is based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) when asked about it:
It is a way of stealing by which Satan takes away (a portion) from the prayer of a person.
هو اختلاس يختلسه الشيطان من صلاة العبد
Source
binbaz.org.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.