Waswasa Regarding Promises, Oaths and Curses

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Question

Assalamu Alaikum. I am suffering a lot from waswasa regarding promises, vows, oaths and curses, and I desperately need Islamic guidance.

I constantly have thoughts that if I use something, something bad will happen, or that if I do a certain thing, something else will happen because of words I said in the past. I have made so many promises, oaths and statements involving curses that I now feel afraid to use many things in my daily life, including my gold, clothes and other belongings.

For example, sometimes I tell myself that I will not use a certain item, or I make a promise or statement connected to it. If my worker then uses that item, even without my knowledge or permission, I start worrying that the same consequences will apply to me or that I will no longer be allowed to use it. My mind keeps connecting one thing to another, and I end up avoiding more and more things.

This has become so distressing that I feel I cannot use almost anything anymore. Even when I want to use something normally, I become afraid because I remember something I said in the past. I feel trapped by my own words and no longer know what I am allowed to do.

I desperately want to know how to break free from this cycle of waswasa according to Islam. Do I have to keep following every statement I made in the past, even when I said it because of obsessive thoughts and fear? How should I deal with promises, oaths and curses that I can no longer remember clearly? I want to stop living in fear and return to a normal life, trusting Allah and not constantly worrying that something bad will happen because of my words.

Please, I sincerely need advice from someone knowledgeable in Islam who understands waswasa. I want to know how to handle this situation without making it worse by continuing to avoid things or creating more restrictions for myself.

JazakAllahu Khairan. May Allah reward you for your time and guidance.

Answer

 

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-Salāmu ‘Alaykum Wa-Rahmatullāhi Wa-Barakātuh.

Waswasa refers to intrusive whispers and doubts from Shaytan that can cause a person considerable anxiety. Such thoughts should not be entertained or allowed to dictate one’s actions.

When Waswasa come into the mind, ignore them. Neither fight them nor entertain them. Instead, adopt a carefree attitude of “I don’t care” for a few days. You will see the difference.[1]

Moreover, continue with your normal daily activities, engage in the recitation of the Quran, remembrance of Allah (dhikr), and stay away from sins.[2]

If these obsessive doubts continue to interfere with your daily life, consult a qualified religious Muslim female mental-health professional experienced in treating obsessive thoughts.

We also recommend reading “Combating the Whisperings of Shaytaan” by Maulana Yunus Patel Sahib (رحمه الله).[3]

May Allah Ta’ala relieve your distress, protect your faith, and grant you peace and tranquility.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best.

Baba Abu Bakr

Student Darul Iftaa

Accra, Ghana

Abdour-Rahmaan Lim Voon Heek

Student Darul Iftaa
Port-louis, Mauritius

Checked and Approved by,

Mufti Muhammad Zakariyya Desai.

https://iftaa.co.za/20009/waswasa-regarding-promises-oaths-and-curses