Is it permissible to spit three times to the left to seek refuge from Satan during congregational prayer, or is verbal seeking of refuge sufficient?
When a worshipper experiences whisperings from Satan, it is Sunnah for them to seek refuge in Allah from him, turn their head slightly (without moving their body), and spit lightly to their left three times with a little saliva, as narrated by Muslim that Uthman ibn Abi al-'As complained to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, about the whisperings he found from Satan, and the Prophet commanded him to do so.
If the worshipper is praying in congregation and cannot spit to their left without harming those beside them, they should spit into their garment or a tissue, or simply suffice with seeking refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan without spitting, so as not to harm those around them.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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