Fatwa ID: 07423
Answered by: Mufti Yusuf Khan
Question:
I don’t know if I was suffering from waswasa or not.
I create ambient soundscape audio, various ambient sounds, and unique sound effects. In the past, I also created music, but I have stopped making music because it is haram.
After creating these audio pieces, I upload them to stock markets like Shutterstock and game engine markets where many game developers look for these sounds. If they like my audio, they purchase it, and I earn an income.
Creating these audio pieces requires raw sound effects, so I often download sound effects from the internet. I use these internet sounds in my creations. However, my main problem is that I often feel very depressed and extremely upset because I worry that the sound effects I downloaded might contain hidden kufr words that I didn’t detect. I fear that using these sound effects might make me a kafir.
These thoughts cause extreme depression and affect my regular prayers. I can’t focus on my prayers because I’m constantly worried that I have committed kufr by using these sound effects. When I get extremely depressed, I open my audio files and check the sound effects repeatedly like 30 times.
I can guarantee that the sound effects I downloaded from the internet do not contain kufr words (I didn’t detect any kufr words with my ear, but what if these sound effects contain hidden kufr words that I couldn’t detect?). The sound effects I use are nature sounds, basic foley sounds, single notes from musical instruments, or one-shot drum sounds. I know some of these musical instrument sounds are haram, but I can’t shake the thought that I might have committed kufr. My main income source is from these audios, and I always have to download sound effects from the internet to create them.
So my question is:
1) am I suffering from waswasa or mental problems?
2) What if the sound effects I downloaded contain hidden kufr words that I didn’t detect by using my ear? If I use these sound effects in my audio and sell it to customers through the stock market, would I be committing kufr?
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
Intrusive and obsessive thoughts, often whispered by Shaytan, create doubt and confusion, particularly in matters of faith and worship. They can lead to unnecessary anxiety and spiritual distress.
Allah does not require of any soul more than what it can bear. All good will be for its own benefit, and all evil will be to its own loss. [1]
A person is responsible for their actions, intentions, and what they have directly earned or caused. Therefore, if something is beyond your knowledge or control, such as hidden kufr words in sound effects that you are unaware of, you would not be held accountable for it.
Furthermore, It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Allah has forgiven my nation for mistakes and forgetfulness, and what they are forced to do.” [2]
This hadith reinforces the idea that accountability is tied to intentional actions and awareness. Mistakes or actions outside of one’s control are excused by Allah.
Therefore, in conclusion, if you have done everything in your control by listening to the audio clips and ensuring they are free from any words kufr then you will be not accountable for anything else.
In regard to the intrusive thoughts you are getting remind yourself these are from Shaytan and try your best to ignore them. Also, seek help from Allah SWT by making Dua and read the morning and evening adhkar for protection.
[1] Surah Al Baqarah – Verse 286
[2] Sunan Ibn Majah – 2045
Only Allah knows best
Written by Mufti Yusuf Khan
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
