What Intrusive Thoughts are and When They are Normal and Abnormal

In Islam, impulsive thoughts are considered a common challenge that arise from whisperings (Waswasa) of Shaytan, or Satan or demons or jinns or devils or evil spirits.

Above that Quran tell us that by nature humans are impulsive in nature in this verse:

Thus the creator of the human being (God / Allah) has clearly explained in the Quran that by nature, man is impulsive, and if this impulsiveness is not properly managed or trained, it can take control of him.

So humans have a natural inclination toward  impulsiveness, often tempted to act on instinct without considering the consequences. Shaitan (satan) exploits this tendency, urging us to surrender to the desires of Nafs (inner self). So the shaytan does the work of adding fuel to fire, and tries to capitalize over the urges presented by Nafs (inner self) in our heart. Shaytan / Devil does this  by whispering in our heart to act impulsively to things that are not good for us in this life or in life hereafter or both. For Example:

• He whispers arrogance and pride in your heart. Arrogance was the sin that the shaytan had, and arrogance was his destruction.

Satan moreover pledged that he will mislead people and will arouse in them sinful desires to such an extent that they will eventually make recourse to the option of changing the creation of Allah (al-Nisa’, 119)

There are things that are right in front of you and shaitan says come on, just enjoy yourself a little, it’s not that bad. He doesn’t want you to think about the future consequences of something. 

The following hadiths clearly tells us that impulsiveness is from shaytan (devil) and he is our open enemy as stated in the Quran.

• “Satan runs through the son of Adam like blood runs through his veins.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

This hadith highlights Satan’s constant influence on humans, including impulsive thoughts and actions.

• “The devil is present in the heart of every human being, whispering evil thoughts.” (Muslim)

This hadith emphasizes Satan’s role in whispering impulsive and negative thoughts into human minds.

• “When one of you becomes angry, Satan enters his heart.” (Abu Dawud)

This hadith links impulsiveness, particularly anger, to Satan’s influence.

Islamic theology teaches that Shaytan (Satan) constantly tries to lead humans astray by tempting them towards sinful and impulsive actions or the actions which are harmful or not good for them. Those who are not vigilant or who lack spiritual fortification may find it easier to succumb to these impulses.

Some people may develop the tendency to act impulsive over time due to lack of spiritual fortification, they become an easier target of Shaytan (devil / demons / jinns) which is the root cause behind it.

These impulsive regretful decisions can lead:

• to anger, 

• impulsively act in anger, 

• stress

• anxiety and

• negative thought patterns.

  O you who have believed, enter into Islam completely [and perfectly] and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear open enemy.

  اے ایمان والو اسلام میں سارے کے سارے داخل ہو جاؤ اور شیطان کے قدموں کی پیروی نہ کرو کیوں کہ وہ تمہارا  کھلا  دشمن ہے

  يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا ادْخُلُوا فِي السِّلْمِ كَافَّةً وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ ۚ إِنَّهُ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ

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