Are distracting thoughts and whispers that afflict the devout during prayer and Quran recitation—and which do not occur at other times—considered a sign of perfect faith or from Satan?

Whispers (waswas) are a sign of the soundness of faith and its presence in the heart, because Satan targets hearts full of faith. Ibn Abbas was asked why Satan does not whisper to Jews in their prayers, and he replied: "What can Satan do with a ruined house?"

These whispers are from Satan to divert the believer from their faith and worship. One must strive against them and get rid of them by suppressing desires and whims, and by having presence of heart in prayer and remembrance. Hearts are of three types: a heart empty of faith, from which Satan rests; a heart illuminated by faith but overcome by desires, so Satan struggles within it; and a heart filled and enlightened by faith, so whenever a whisper approaches it, it is burned.

Continue to strive against yourself and bring your heart into acts of worship. Seek refuge with Allah from Satan, and do not pay attention to whispers concerning purification and prayer.