The heart that is alive & contains a portion of faith, Shaytaan attacks it…

 By Sheikh Saalih al-Uthaymeen

Thoughts and whispers that contradict the religion do not frequent the dead heart, on account of its being lifeless and a destroyed organ. Shaytaan does not want more than with what he is charged. For that reason, it was said to Ibn Mas’ud (رضي اللّه عنـه) or Ibn Abbas (رضي اللّه عنـه) that the Jews say: “They do not get any whispers while they pray.” In other words uneasiness does not afflict them. He said: “They have spoken the truth and what can Shaytaan do with a heart that is already ruined.”

However, as for the heart that is alive, which contains a portion of faith, Shaytaan attacks it. There is not any leniency or pause in his assault. Shaytaan casts misgivings contradicting his religion. If the servant submits to these misgivings and doubts, they serve as the most severe means of destruction. Eventually, he casts doubts on this youth about his Lord, religion, and belief. Whenever Shaytaan finds weakness and frustration in the heart, he occupies it until he separates this adolescent from his religion. In contrast, whenever Shaytaan finds a heart that is strong and steadfast he succumbs to defeat. His scheme is feeble and as a result he is made miserable.

The whispers that Shaytaan hurls into the heart do not affect the person if he uses the cure mentioned by the Messenger of Allaah (صلّى اللَّهُ عليه وسلّم).

Ibn Abbas (رضي اللّه عنـه) narrated that a person came to the Prophet (صلّى اللَّهُ عليه وسلّم) and said: “I have a certain feeling within myself which being a burning ember is more desirable to me than my uttering it.” The Prophet (صلّى اللَّهُ عليه وسلّم) said: “All praise is due to Allaah who has rejected his scheme [i.e. driven away Shaytaan's evil thoughts]. [Collected by Abu Dawud in his Sunnan #5122 and graded Sahih by Al-Albani]

Some people from the Companions came and said, “O Messenger of Allaah (صلّى اللَّهُ عليه وسلّم) we find within ourselves (such a feeling) which overwhelms each one of us from speaking about it (i.e. he feels it imposing to speak about it).” The Prophet (صلّى اللَّهُ عليه وسلّم) asked: “Do you also experience it?” The Companions replied, “Yes.” The Prophet (صلّى اللَّهُ عليه وسلّم) replied “That is true Imaan (faith)”. [Collected by Muslim in his Sahih #132]

The meaning of having true faith is the evil thoughts that you face – and your rejection of them – does not harm your faith a single bit. In fact, rejecting these thoughts is a proof that your faith is sincere and has not been affected by any loss.

The Prophet (صلّى اللَّهُ عليه وسلّم) said: “Shaytaan comes to one of you and says, “Who has created this? Who has created that?” until he says: “Who has created your Lord?” When he reaches this limit, then seek refuge in Allaah and in His Compassion.” [Sahih: Agreed upon. On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (رضي اللّه عنـه).

And in a similar Hadith in Abu Dawud (#4722) with a Hasan isnad (chain of narration), the Prophet (صلّى اللَّهُ عليه وسلّم) said:
 
“So! Say Allaah is One, Allaah is Independent (as-Samad), He does not give birth nor was He “So! Say Allaah is One, Allaah is Independent (as-Samad), He does not give birth nor was He given birth to, then spit towards the left three times & seek refuge from the accursed Shaytaan.”

In these ahadith the Companions described illnesses to the Prophet (صلّى اللَّهُ عليه وسلّم). He (صلّى اللَّهُ عليه وسلّم) in turn prescribed four things for them as a remedy:

• Abstain from these temptations. This means to completely turn away from it then act as though it never existed. Then occupy yourself with the remembrance of Allaah (i.e. recitation of the Qur'aan and dhikr from the Sunnah).
• Seek refuge in Allaah from the whispers of the accursed Shaytaan.
• Say I believe in Allaah and His Messenger (صلّى اللَّهُ عليه وسلّم).
• Recite Surah Al-Ikhlaas. Then spit to your left side three times and say I seek refuge in Allaah from the accursed Shaytaan.

[Taken from the book 'Islam's Solution for the Problems Facing Today’s Youth' - By Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen pg 49-51]