Q: I work in a multicultural environment with many people. The non Muslim people at work have their own lunch or food and sometimes touch the phones or stationery/doors that we all use during the day. Recently I have been feeling a constant need to wash my hands if I touch something that someone else has touched before or even if I borrowed something from someone I feel I should was my hands after. Is this just worry? Do I as a Muslim need to be so precautious so as to wash my hands everytime someone has touched something and I touch it after? Or is this the whispers of shaitaan?
A: There is no need to do this. If you carry on with this, it will lead to other doubts and suspicions. Cut it from now to avoid future difficulties. This is Waswasah (whispers of Shaytaan).
The only time you will need to wash your hands is when it comes into direct contact with something impure.
Moulana Yusuf Laher