1/60. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 132a — Waswasah and Pure Faith
Clarifying the Waswasah (Whispers, Bad Thoughts) with regard to faith, and what the one who experiences that should say
Waswasah Pure Faith Hadith: When Bad Thoughts Trouble a Believer
Sahih Muslim : 132a
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 132a
حَدَّثَنِي زُهَيْرُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا جَرِيرٌ، عَنْ سُهَيْلٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ جَاءَ نَاسٌ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَسَأَلُوهُ إِنَّا نَجِدُ فِي أَنْفُسِنَا مَا يَتَعَاظَمُ أَحَدُنَا أَنْ يَتَكَلَّمَ بِهِ . قَالَ " وَقَدْ وَجَدْتُمُوهُ " . قَالُوا نَعَمْ . قَالَ " ذَاكَ صَرِيحُ الإِيمَانِ " .
Abu Hurairah Narrated from:
Some people from amongst the Companions of the Apostle (ﷺ) came to him and said: Verily we perceive in our minds that which every one of us considers it too grave to express. He (the Holy Prophet) said: Do you really perceive it? They said: Yes. Upon this he remarked: That is the faith manifest.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 132aIn-book reference : Book 1, Hadith 247USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 1, Hadith 239
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 132a
Some Companions came to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and said they found things within themselves that each of them considered too grave to speak about. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم asked if they really found that, and they said yes. He replied, “That is faith manifest.” This hadith about waswasah and pure faith should be read carefully. The praise is not for the bad thought itself. The text shows that they hated it and felt it was too serious to say. Their concern, dislike, and refusal to express it are part of the lesson. A believer troubled by such thoughts should not think that the thought alone defines him. The report brings calm and hope.
What we learn from this hadith
- The Companions felt disturbed by thoughts they considered too grave to say.
- They asked the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم instead of hiding their concern.
- The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم identified their concern as a sign linked with faith.
- The report comforts those who hate such thoughts and do not want to express them.
