Fatwa ID: 07519

 

 

Answered by Maulana Sarfraz Mohammad

 

Question

 

I’m a 23-year-old.

 

I have two questions:

 

My first question is;

 

If I’m working on a project, I’m worried about making a mistake and what people might say. People’s criticism affects me directly, so what are your thoughts on this, and how can I specifically deal with people’s criticism?

 

 

My second question is:

 

Alhamdulillah, Allah has blessed me to keep my tongue moist with Dhikr all the time. Sometimes, when I’m on the bus or with people I respect a lot and who have an impact on me, I like to engage in Dhikr instead of maintaining silence or talking about what does not benefit me. So when I start engaging in Dhikr, something inside me says, “You are not doing this for Allah, you are doing it because you want people to say, ‘Oh! He is doing Dhikr.'” And I’m like, “No, no, I’m doing this for the sake of Allah.”

 

Please note that these thoughts arise exclusively when I’m doing Dhikr and people are around me. So  My question is What is that voice in me saying I’m not doing it for Allah, and how can I deal with this? Can I neglect those thoughts and continue remembering Allah?

 

How can I ensure that what I’m doing as ibadah is solely for Allah alone? May Allah bless you. Thank you.

 

 

 

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

 

Answer 

 

It’s natural to feel worried about criticism, but it’s important to reframe your mindset. Making mistakes is part of the learning process, and everyone faces criticism at some point. What matters is how you respond to it.

 

 

Rather than fearing mistakes, view them as opportunities to improve. Mistakes can help you become more skilled and knowledgeable. Not everyone will have positive things to say, but it’s essential to distinguish between constructive criticism (which helps you grow) and unhelpful negativity. Try not to base your self-worth on the opinions of others. Focus on the quality of your work and the effort you put into it.

 

 

Second question about Dhikr and the internal voice that challenges your sincerity:

 

This voice is likely coming from the waswasa (whispers) of Shaytan, who tries to cast doubt on your intentions, especially when you’re engaging in acts of worship. You should Ignore the Whispers and know that Shaytan’s goal is to create doubt and prevent you from engaging in Dhikr or other good deeds. You should ignore these thoughts and continue focusing on your connection with Allah.

 

 

Sincerity of Intention (Ikhlas): At the start of your Dhikr or any act of worship, make a firm intention that it’s for Allah alone. Even if doubts come after that, trust that your initial intention was sincere. Seek Refuge in Allah: Whenever these thoughts become overwhelming, seek refuge in Allah from Shaytan by reciting A’udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim.

 

 

In summary, you can ignore these intrusive thoughts, make a conscious intention for Allah, and continue your Dhikr with confidence. 

 

 

 

Only Allah knows best.

Written by Maulana Sheik Abdel Ahaad Imrit

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

 

 

 

 

 

ولو تعوذ لد فع الوسوسة لا تفسد مطلقاً (الی قوله:) ولو تعوذ لدفع الوسوسة لاتفسد مطلقاً نظر؛ إذ لا فرق بینها وبین الحوقلة، فلیتا مل‘‘. 

(طحطاوي علی الدر المختار ج۱ ص ۴۱۶ باب ما یفسد الصلاة ویکرہ فیها

 

 

صحيح مسلم (4/ 1728):

’’أن عثمان بن أبي العاص، أتى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، فقال: يا رسول الله إن الشيطان قد حال بيني وبين صلاتي وقراءتي يلبسها علي، فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: «ذاك شيطان يقال له خنزب، فإذا أحسسته فتعوذ بالله منه، واتفل على يسارك ثلاثاً» قال: ففعلت ذلك فأذهبه الله