Question Summary:
Having waswasās (evil thoughts) that this world is an imagination

Question Detail:

How do I deal with the falsehood of philosophy and shaytan's waswas? My waawaas involves things regarding being a world like the matrix, shaytan is saying that everything around me is just made by a machine, and Allah (SWT) is testing me through this, and so many other things. Even being on this website Is a part of my imagination apparently, and these thoughts are bothering me and I have no way of refuting them. I do believe in Allah 100% though, however would Allah ever deceive me through such a test, would Allah allow Kaffirs to have such technology to put poeple in alternate realities, is this shirk or no because this would mean Allah (SWT) is deceiving me.
These thoughts have rendered me to be very lonely and sad, depressed, and I just don't know what to do.

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
As-salāmu ʿalaykum wa-raḥmatullāhi wa-barakātuh


This world was created by Allah Taʿālā, the All Powerful, the All Mighty. No machine is able to create this earth, the mountains the sky, the sun, the moons and the stars we see around us. Machines are a creation of Allah Taʿālā. Allah Taʿālā has taught Man how to manufacture machines and control them.
We have not been created in vain. We have been created for the purpose of recognizing Allah Taʿālā and worshipping Him. This world is a reality and not an imagination. It is a test for us and we will return to Allah Taʿālā one day to account for our actions.
Allah Taʿālā has not created technology and machines to deceive us, but rather to test whether we will recognise Him through this creation of His and use it in His obedience or not. The Kuffār do not have any control over this world and its systems. This is all in the control of Allah Taʿālā Alone. We should not be deceived by the technology and machinery given to the Kuffār. Their technology cannot avert a calamity from Allah Taʿālā, nor will it save them from His Eternal Punishment.
As human beings, we are naturally affected by what our eyes see and what our ears hear. This is why it is important for us to abstain from information that puts us in doubt with regards to our belief.
What you should do to save yourself from confusion and reduce the waswasās (evil thoughts) is to avoid all forms of literature, films and other media that portray falsehood and deception, such as science fiction. By means of being fed this information, if a person’s faith is weak, he will begin to have doubts in his faith and question it. This can lead to him leaving the fold of Islām.
When any waswasās (evil thoughts) afflict you, ignore them, seek protection in Allah Taʿālā from Shayṭān and reaffirm your faith by reciting the Shahādah.
Furthermore, to relieve yourself from the loneliness, depression and confusion you are experiencing, make it your daily habit to recite a portion of the Qurʾān with its translation. If there are Tafsīr lessons in your area, attend these gatherings. The Qurʾān is full of guidance that will strengthen your faith.
Also, constantly glorify and praise Allah Taʿālā by reciting:
«سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ، وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ، وَلَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ»
Glory is to Allah. All praises are for Allah. There is no deity besides Allah. Allah is the Greatest. There is no might and power except by Allah.


And Allah Taʿālā Knows Best
Mahmood Patel
Student, Darul Iftaa
Azaadville, South Africa
Checked and Approved by
Mufti Ebrahim Desai