Question:
Is my prayer valid in the presence of misgivings?
Answer:
Dear questioner,
Thank you for your important question.
May Allah, Most High bring clarity to your heart and keep you firm on the straight path.
Your prayer is absolutely valid.
Waswasa or base misgivings are a natural part of every Muslim’s life. The scholars of Islam advise us to:
1. Ignore them by focusing on the remembrance of Allah, Most High.
Allah, Most High says: “Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort.” [Qur’an, 13:28]
2. Learn about those aspects of the faith which you find yourself having doubts about. In your case, consider taking classes on the foundations of prayer.
Through knowledge you obtain certainty and through certainty, doubts are removed.
Please see: A Reader on Waswasa
May Allah, Most High reward you for your desire to increase in knowledge.
And Allah knows best,
[Ustadh] Omar Popal
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani