What is the interpretation of a person with obsessive thoughts being strong in faith, even though the questioner sees himself as negligent in acts of worship and committing some forbidden acts?
Mere whisperings (waswasah) are not a sign of strong faith. Rather, a believer's dislike for them and their striving against them is a sign of strong faith, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said about them: "That is pure faith." Imam An-Nawawi, Al-Khattabi, and Ibn Taymiyyah explained that the overwhelming nature of these whisperings and one's rejection of them is evidence of sound faith, because they originate from Satan, and one's dislike for them is what indicates sincere faith. As for combining disobedience with an appearance of strong faith, this is indicated by the Almighty's saying: "And [there are] others who have acknowledged their sins. They had mixed a righteous deed with another that was bad. Perhaps Allah will turn to them in forgiveness. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful" (At-Tawbah: 102). A Muslim must repent, seek forgiveness, and strive against his lower self to abandon sins.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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