What is the ruling regarding the prayer of one afflicted by obsessive doubts (Al-Waswas) who did not pay attention to a doubt concerning an increase or decrease in the number of rak'ahs or forgetting a pillar? And is his prayer invalidated if he had indeed forgotten something? Is it permissible for one afflicted by obsessive doubts to repeat the prayer due to doubt or absentmindedness, and should the second prayer be built upon? Is the concession of not paying attention to obsessive doubts specific to those who experience Al-Waswas daily, or does it include those who experience it intermittently?
Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported Sep 2, 2026
The best treatment for obsessive whispers (waswas) is to disregard and ignore them, even if the whisper suggests you omit a pillar of prayer. Your prayer is acceptable because we are obligated to act upon apparent rulings. Do not repeat the prayer unless you are absolutely certain that it must be repeated. Whoever knows that their doubts are merely whispers must disregard them, even if they recur once a day. If you fear the whispers, act as if you are cured, and if they return, revert to disregarding and ignoring them.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported
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