Q597: bad thoughts

Question: I always get bad thoughts that shouldn’t be there. I sometimes talk to my thoughts but when I realise that it is Shaytan, I say, “Astaghfirullah” straight away. Can you please tell me how to get rid of these unwanted thoughts as they distract me from studying and working even though I try to ignore them.

Answer: You should always try to pray your salah with congregation and afterwards recite “ayah al-kursi” of the Qur’an (Surah al-Baqarah, verse 255) and ‘the four Quls’ (Surah al-Kafirun, 109; Surah Ikhlas, 112; Surah al-Falaq, 113; Surah al-Nas, 114) blow on hands and wipe them over your body. Inshallah these thoughts will disappear if you do this regularly. May Allah (s.w.t.) make it easy for you.