How to Distinguish Whispers from God, Desire, and Satan? Imam Al-Ghazali's Explanation

Every human often experiences various thoughts and impulses in their heart. However, not all of these whispers come from the same source. Imam Al-Ghazali, in his book Minhajul Abidin, explains that there are whispers that come from Allah SWT and the angels, and there are also those that originate from carnal desires or the temptations of Satan. Each has characteristics that can be recognised so that a Muslim does not make the wrong decision. The scholar, whose full name is Abu Hamid Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Ghazali, explains how to distinguish between good and bad whispers in the heart. Good whispers come from Allah SWT and the angels assigned by Him, while bad whispers come from Satan and carnal desires. After understanding the types of whispers, Imam Al-Ghazali explains that it is necessary to comprehend three important things that must be deeply contemplated regarding the whispers of the heart. First, it is very important to know in general the difference between a good desire and a bad desire. Second, it is necessary to know whether a bad desire is born from the temptation of carnal desires or caused by the whispers of Satan. The answer must be known from the outset because the method of overcoming it is different. Third, regarding good desires, it must also be known from the beginning whether it comes from the whispers of Allah or from the whispers of Satan. A desire that comes from the whispers of Allah can be realised. Conversely, if it comes from the whispers of Satan, it must be rejected. The same principle is also applied to good desires that come from carnal desires.