Question:
Is fantasizing Haram in Islam?
I get many fantasies. It has took me in its holds now. I am unmarried girl. I don’t miss my prayers. I do my routine work, I am Alhamdulillah not into bad company nor I watch filth etc Alhamdulillah. But I always make stories in my mind, I feel good all that time. Sometime I make it, sometime its generated itself. I bring to my mind that Allah is with me I shouldn’t do it.
I just don’t know I feel I am two persons; One stops and other gives lots excuses and wants solid answers to stop. I feel so helpless.
I want to think healthy, I am tired of these thoughts. I want to live connected with family and with Allah at first place. I try not to think but this question stops me from taking any positive step; Why should I leave THINKING BAD?? SINCE THINKING is not haram unless you COMMIT IT according to some Hadith.
Please tell me something that I can MAKE MYSELF NOT TO THINK OR NOT TO GO FOR FANTASIES. I want to live in REAL WORLD. Sometimes my family says I am absent minded.
If I leave my fantasy world for ALLAH’S PLEASURE, will ALLAH BE HAPPY AND WILL IT MATTER TO HIM,?? Will He consider this change?? or it will not make any difference as its not SIN to fantasize? as long as I don’t commit anything. JazakAllah Khair
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Sister in Islam,
Your disgust and detestation for these thoughts is a sign of true Imaan. Show gratitude to Allah Ta’ala for the fact that your heart is averse such thoughts. Indeed Shaitan doesn’t bother whispering such whims in empty and faithless hearts, but rather goes after hearts filled with Imaan. Certainly a burglar does not break into an empty house, but rather a house full of jewels.
It is narrated in a Hadith,
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ: جَاءَ نَاسٌ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ، فَسَأَلُوهُ: إِنَّا نَجِدُ فِي أَنْفُسِنَا مَا يَتَعَاظَمُ أَحَدُنَا أَنْ يَتَكَلَّمَ بِهِ، قَالَ: «وَقَدْ وَجَدْتُمُوهُ؟» قَالُوا: نَعَمْ، قَالَ: «ذَاكَ صَرِيحُ الْإِيمَانِ»
Some of the Sahabah once came to the Prophet (Sallalahu Alahi Wa Sallam) and said, “We find within ourselves such notions that overwhelm any of us from speaking about it.” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked: “Do you also experience it?” The Companions replied, “Yes.” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, “That is real faith.” [Muslim 338]
There are two types of thoughts, voluntary and involuntary.
Mere notions and evil thoughts that are involuntary, one will not be accounted and punished for them, for they are not in one’s control.
Nevertheless, one should avoid these thoughts by negating them as soon as it occurs. However, evil thoughts which are voluntary and brought into one’s mind to derive enjoyment from them is impermissible and must be abstained from as much as possible.
Never pay attention to such thoughts and whispers of Shaytaan. Beat his plot by ignoring them and treating them with contempt. Also avoid seeing or doing anything that invites such thoughts.
Whenever evil and impure thoughts occurs, recite Laa hawla walaa Quwwata Illaa Billaah abundantly and engage yourself in the Ibadah and the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala, and most important, implore Allah in Dua to relieve you of all such thoughts.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Arshad Ali
Darul Iftaa, Jaamia Madinatul Uloom (Trinidad)
