Is the method mentioned in the article valid for repelling intrusive thoughts during prayer by seeking refuge (Isti‘adha) and spitting dryly to the left three times? And is a light Isti‘adha sufficient without spitting dryly when the intrusive thoughts are minor?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
If a worshiper feels the whisperings of Satan during prayer, he should seek refuge in Allah from him and spit to his left three times (a light spitting with a little saliva), and say in a low voice: "A'udhu billahi min ash-shaytanir-rajim (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan)," following the guidance of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, when Uthman ibn Abi al-'As complained to him about the whisperings of the devil named "Khanzab" during his prayer.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/70777
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 70777
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy