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The question

What is the ruling on exaggeration and obsessive doubt (waswasah) in applying Sunnahs, such as dusting the bed and covering vessels, and what is the ruling on repeatedly checking that the door is locked? Is this considered obsessive-compulsive disorder?

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Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

One should disregard intrusive thoughts (waswasa) and adhere to the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace be upon him, without extremism or negligence. Among these Sunan is dusting the bed with the inside of one's garment before sleeping, because the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "For he does not know what has come upon it," and this is to ward off harm. Also among them is closing doors, covering vessels, and tying up water skins when night falls, because the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "For the devils scatter at that time," and this is to protect them from Satan, epidemics, impurities, and insects. These Sunan contain worldly and otherworldly benefits, but they should not lead to obsessive thoughts and excessive rigor, as they are among the recommended manners, the ترك of which does not entail sin.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported

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Source platform
Ftawy
Original fatwa ID
115680
Imported
Translation status
Source text, unreviewed
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