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Where Does Waswas (Whispers) Mostly Come From?
Waswas (whispers) are unwanted thoughts that disturb the heart and mind. Many people experience them at certain stages of life, especially those who are sensitive, sincere, and trying to grow closer to Allah. These thoughts should not cause fear — because waswas is often not a sign of weak faith, but rather a sign of faith itself.
So where does waswas mostly come from?
What Is Waswas?
Waswas refers to disturbing thoughts that come against one’s will — thoughts that create doubt, fear, guilt, or confusion.
The Qur’an clearly explains its source:
“From the evil of the whisperer who withdraws.”
(Surah An-Nas)
This verse teaches us that waswas originates from Shaytan and the nafs (ego).
Where Does Waswas Mostly Come From?
1. Increased Sensitivity in Worship
Waswas most commonly affects those who practice their religion sincerely.
Examples include:
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“Did my prayer break?”
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“Was my ablution valid?”
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“Did I perform ghusl correctly?”
Shaytan does not focus on those far from worship —
he focuses on those who are trying to come closer to Allah.
he focuses on those who are trying to come closer to Allah.
2. Overthinking and Excessive Self-Checking
Constant thoughts such as:
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“What if I did it wrong?”
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“What if Allah does not accept it?”
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“What if I committed a sin?”
feed waswas.
Islam is built on ease, not hardship.
Excessive perfectionism strengthens whispers.
Excessive perfectionism strengthens whispers.
3. Practicing Religion Through Fear Alone
When Allah is viewed only as someone who punishes and not as:
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The Most Merciful
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The Most Forgiving
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The Most Compassionate
waswas grows stronger.
A fear-based religious understanding is one of the main doors of waswas.
4. Incorrect or Unreliable Religious Information
Learning religion through random online content or hearsay can:
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create confusion
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increase doubt
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disturb inner peace
Not every religious statement online is accurate.
False knowledge feeds waswas.
False knowledge feeds waswas.
5. Isolation and Overthinking in Loneliness
Waswas increases when a person:
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remains alone for long periods
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withdraws socially
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becomes trapped in their thoughts
When the mind lacks healthy engagement, intrusive thoughts multiply.
6. Constant Exposure to Negative Content
Repeated exposure to:
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fear-based videos
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jinn and possession content
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magic-related material
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negative news
weakens the soul and strengthens whispers.
What the eyes see affects the heart.
Is Waswas a Sign of Weak Faith?
No.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“That is a clear sign of faith.”
If a person dislikes these thoughts and feels disturbed by them, it indicates faith, not disbelief.
The danger lies not in the thought itself, but in believing it or engaging with it.
How Can One Protect Themselves from Waswas?
✔ Do not argue with the thoughts
✔ Say “A‘udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim”
✔ Recite Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas
✔ Ignore the whispers
✔ Remember Allah’s mercy
✔ Avoid excessive self-questioning
✔ Say “A‘udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim”
✔ Recite Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas
✔ Ignore the whispers
✔ Remember Allah’s mercy
✔ Avoid excessive self-questioning
Waswas is not eliminated by fighting it —
it weakens when it is ignored.
it weakens when it is ignored.
Vedat Gülmez Hoca’s Approach to Waswas
According to Vedat Gülmez Hoca, waswas:
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is usually caused by satanic whispers
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should be treated with awareness, not fear
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weakens through Qur’an and remembrance
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decreases as one’s connection with Allah strengthens
His guidance focuses on:
✔ Qur’an-centered understanding
✔ gentle spiritual direction
✔ removing fear from the heart
✔ reminding people of Allah’s mercy
✔ gentle spiritual direction
✔ removing fear from the heart
✔ reminding people of Allah’s mercy
Waswas Is Not to Be Feared, But Managed
Waswas is not:
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a disease
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a sign of weak faith
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proof that a person is sinful
It is a test — and it passes with trust in Allah.
Allah judges His servants by intention, not by unwanted thoughts.
