Question:
Can Satan interfere in prayer as well?
Answer:
Yes! It is narrated from Sayyiduna Uthman ibn Abi al-As, may Allah be pleased with him, that he said: I said to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, that Satan comes between me and my prayer and recitation and confuses me. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
ذاك شيطان يقال له: حنزب، فإذا أحسسته فتعود بالله منه، واتفل على يسارك ثلاثا
“This is a devil called Khanzab. When you feel him, seek refuge in Allah from him and spit three times to your left side.” He said: When I did this, Allah removed him from me.
My brother! Know that this is a clear and evident proof, and its proof is also that which Imam Muslim narrated in his Sahih under Hadith number (133). The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said about faith:
تلك محض الإيمان
“This is nothing but faith.”
Furthermore, some people came to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, and said: We find in our hearts things which are considered a great sin to bring to the tongue. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, asked:
وقد وجدتموه؟ “Do you experience this condition?”
They replied, yes. He, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
ذاک صريح الإيمان “This is indeed part of faith.”
