Do the obsessive thoughts that touch upon Allah Almighty in His majesty and dominion, and that come to a 17-year-old girl who strives for the pleasure of Allah and His Messenger, count as her own doing or from Satan, and will she be held accountable for them?
Summary of the Fatwa:
The companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, came to him asking about whisperings they found within themselves, which they considered too grave to utter. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "That is pure faith." Al-Nawawi and others explained that considering these whisperings grave and fearing them is a sign of complete faith, and that Satan whispers to those whom he despairs of misleading. The whisperings that the companions considered grave were those related to the essence of Allah the Exalted.
The Sunnah indicates that a Muslim will not be held accountable for these whisperings as long as he does not act upon them or speak of them. The way to repel them is to turn away from them, seek refuge in Allah from Satan, engage in abundant remembrance of Allah, and reflect on Allah's creation, not on His essence.
Al-Shanqeeti summarized this issue by saying: And what Satan whispers, And the heart rejects, that is faith. So do not argue with the cursed one, Because it will only strengthen him.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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