✍ Written by: Imran Ayub Lahori
Sayyiduna ʿUthmān ibn Abī al-ʿĀṣ (رحمه الله) presented his concern to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, saying:
“O Messenger of Allah! Indeed, the Shayṭān comes between me and my prayer and my recitation, causing confusion (i.e., mixing things up) in my Salah.”
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ replied:
ذَاكَ شَيْطَانٌ يُقَالُ لَهُ خَنْزَبٌ، فَإِذَا أَحْسَسْتَهُ فَتَعَوَّذْ بِاللَّهِ مِنْهُ، وَاتْفِلْ عَلَى يَسَارِكَ ثَلَاثًا، فَفَعَلْتُ ذَلِكَ، فَأَذْهَبَهُ اللَّهُ عَنِّي
“That is a Shayṭān called Khanzab. When you sense his presence, seek refuge in Allah from him (i.e., say: Aʿūdhu billāh), and lightly spit to your left three times.”
(Sayyiduna ʿUthmān رضي الله عنه says
“I did so, and Allah removed him from me.”
[Sahih Muslim: 5738 | Book of Peace: Chapter on Seeking Refuge from the Shayṭān of Waswasah in Salah]
① Recognize that such distractions are caused by a specific Shayṭān named Khanzab.
② Seek refuge with Allah (by saying: Aʿūdhu billāhi minash-shayṭānir-rajīm ) when disturbed.
③ Lightly spit to the left three times during Salah when experiencing persistent distractions.
④ This method was approved and taught by the Prophet ﷺ himself, and its effectiveness is confirmed by the experience of the Companion.
This Hadith provides a clear, authentic, and effective solution for those struggling with distractions and thoughts during their prayers. Implementing this Sunnah brings spiritual clarity and helps restore concentration in Salah.
❀ Solution for Distractions and Intrusive Thoughts in Salah ❀
Sayyiduna ʿUthmān ibn Abī al-ʿĀṣ (رحمه الله) presented his concern to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, saying:
“O Messenger of Allah! Indeed, the Shayṭān comes between me and my prayer and my recitation, causing confusion (i.e., mixing things up) in my Salah.”
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ replied:
ذَاكَ شَيْطَانٌ يُقَالُ لَهُ خَنْزَبٌ، فَإِذَا أَحْسَسْتَهُ فَتَعَوَّذْ بِاللَّهِ مِنْهُ، وَاتْفِلْ عَلَى يَسَارِكَ ثَلَاثًا، فَفَعَلْتُ ذَلِكَ، فَأَذْهَبَهُ اللَّهُ عَنِّي
“That is a Shayṭān called Khanzab. When you sense his presence, seek refuge in Allah from him (i.e., say: Aʿūdhu billāh), and lightly spit to your left three times.”
(Sayyiduna ʿUthmān رضي الله عنه says
“I did so, and Allah removed him from me.” [Sahih Muslim: 5738 | Book of Peace: Chapter on Seeking Refuge from the Shayṭān of Waswasah in Salah]
Practical Steps to Combat Waswasah During Salah:
① Recognize that such distractions are caused by a specific Shayṭān named Khanzab.
② Seek refuge with Allah (by saying: Aʿūdhu billāhi minash-shayṭānir-rajīm ) when disturbed.
③ Lightly spit to the left three times during Salah when experiencing persistent distractions.
④ This method was approved and taught by the Prophet ﷺ himself, and its effectiveness is confirmed by the experience of the Companion.
This Hadith provides a clear, authentic, and effective solution for those struggling with distractions and thoughts during their prayers. Implementing this Sunnah brings spiritual clarity and helps restore concentration in Salah.
