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The question

What is the solution to the problem of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) related to faith in God, which arose after reading a book by atheistic philosophers and has been causing distress and psychological disturbances for seven months?

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

A Muslim should not read for or debate philosophers, except for those well-grounded in Tawhid (monotheism), because their words are trivial and absurd and can lead to atheism. The scholars of the Permanent Committee for Issuing Fatwas were asked: Does Islamic Sharia rely on philosophy? They replied: "Islamic Sharia is sovereign over all laws and philosophies, and all good lies in its guidance. Whoever seeks guidance elsewhere, Allah will lead him astray." As for overcoming obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), it is from Satan and a means to discourage the Muslim. It dissipates by seeking Allah's help, persevering in acts of obedience, and ignoring it. Allah does not hold one accountable for its effects, and fatwas have confirmed that it does not result in divorce, oaths, or disbelief. To get rid of it, one must turn away from it, seek refuge in Allah from Satan, and frequently say: "I believe in Allah and His messengers." Scholars have stated that obsessions do not harm a person and one is not held accountable for them as long as one does not speak or act upon them.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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