Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Weltch
Question Summary
How do I deal with thoughts from Shaytan? If I uttered something against a thought, is that sinful?
Question Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
It is important to note that whispers/thoughts are like visitors from outside. You are not accountable for them coming and are not sinful. You are only accountable if you entertain the thoughts and give them consideration.
Pure Faith
Imam Muslim (may Allah have mercy on him) mentions under the chapter heading ‘Clarifying misgivings (waswasa) in faith and what one should say in they encounter them’ the following narrations.
Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “Some of the companions of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace) came and asked him, ‘We encounter in our selves that which one of us would deem to grave to speak of.’ He said, “Do you indeed encounter that?” They said, “Yes.” He said, “That is clear faith.”
In another narrations, the Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace) was asked about misgivings (i.e., in faith), and He said, “The is pure faith.” [Muslim]
Scholars have understood the above narrations in two main ways.
(1) Shaytan whispers doubts into the hearts of those who he has no hope of deceiving. And it is due to his inability to deceive that he resorts to disturbing one through misgivings. As for the disbeliever, he comes to him as he wishes and not only whispers but toys with them as he wishes. Therefore the reason for the misgivings is pure faith or is a sign of pure faith. The opinion was supported by Qadi ‘Iyad. [al-Nawawi, Sharh Muslim]
(2) Others have understood from this narration that the reluctancy that the companions had to tell the Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace) and the dislike they had for such thoughts are signs of pure faith.
Practical Steps
With that being said, you should not worry yourself nor become anxious about these thoughts. You are not to blame. These thoughts do not affect your Islam. Rather you should apply the following steps.
(1) Take a basic course in Islamic beliefs. Knowledge of the beliefs of Islam is a protection from such doubts and a means of strengthening one’s certainty.
(2) Be careful not to read the books of philosophical discussions or watch them. One should first have a strong foundation in the fundamental beliefs of Islam before delving into matters of theology or philosophy.
(3) Strive to recite abundantly ‘La ilaha illa Allah.’ The Messenger (may Allah bless him and give him peace) advised the companions, ‘Renew your faith!’ It was replied, ‘O Messenger of Allah! How do we renew our faith?’ He said, “Say, abundantly, La ilaha illa Allah.’” [Ahmad]
Hope this helps
And Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani