✿ Written by: Shaykh Mubashar Ahmad Rabbānī ḥafiẓahullāh
❖ Question:
While praying behind the imam during Tarāwīḥ, is it permissible to say “Aʿūdhu billāh” if sleepiness or distracting thoughts occur?
❖ Answer:
It is narrated from ʿUthmān ibn Abī al-ʿĀṣ رضي الله عنه:
“I said: O Messenger of Allah! Verily, the devil comes between me and my prayer and my recitation, and he confuses it for me.”
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ replied:
“That is a devil called Khanzab. When you feel his presence, seek refuge with Allah (say: Aʿūdhu billāh) and spit lightly to your left three times.”
He said: I did that, and Allah removed him from me.
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim – Kitāb as-Salām, Bāb at-Taʿawwudh min Shayṭān al-Waswasah, 2203)
❖ Ruling Derived
Based on this authentic ḥadīth, it is permissible to recite:
«أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ»
“I seek refuge with Allah”
during prayer, if one is afflicted with waswasah (satanic whispers).
❖ Regarding Sleepiness During Prayer
- If sleepiness overpowers a person to the extent that he can no longer recognize what he is saying,
then it is better to rest first and pray afterward. - However, if sleep is not overwhelming, one should complete the prayer and strive to fight off laziness and heedlessness.
❖ Summary
✔ Waswasah in Prayer:
Saying “Aʿūdhu billāh” is permissible to repel Satan if one feels distracted.
✔ Mild Drowsiness:
Try to maintain focus and complete the prayer.
✔ Severe Sleepiness:
Pause and sleep first; then pray with attentiveness.
