What should I do about the abundance of waswas (whispers/intrusive thoughts) and distraction during prayer, such as the feeling that someone is watching me?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
We advise you to seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan and to spit dryly to your left three times when Satan whispers during prayer. Indeed, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, guided Uthman ibn Abi al-As to this when the latter complained to him that Satan had come between him and his prayer and recitation. He said: "That is a devil called Khanzab. If you sense him, seek refuge in Allah from him and spit dryly to your left three times."
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/92783
Where this answer came from
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 92783
- 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