Question No. 2923 31 August 2022 Official answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat) verified Content level: Intermediate

What Does “Suspicion” in This Supplication Refer To—Is It Only Suspicion of God?

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Dear questioner, Master Ali Saei

Tracking code: #Q-2923

In the supplication you mentioned today:
قد ملک الشیطان عنانى فى سوء الظن و ضعف الیقین، فأنا أشکو سوء مجاورته لى، و طاعه نفسى له، و أستعصمک من ملکته، و أتضرع إلیک فى صرف کیده عنى.
Satan has seized my reins, leading me toward weakness of faith and suspicion. I now complain of his evil companionship and of my own ready obedience to him. I seek refuge in You from his dominion, and humbly implore You to ward off his schemes from me.
Does “suspicion” here refer only to suspicion of God? Since these two are mentioned together, does this mean that anyone whose faith is weak will be suspicious of God?

Subject category: Ethics and Spirituality Epistemological

The essence and first answer at a glance (60-word summary)

In this supplication, suspicion, like weakness of faith, concerns one’s devotion to God and must not be allowed to take hold of a person. It leaves no room for reconciliation with one’s beloved. Such mistrust stands in the way of peace and harmony between a person and God.

Answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat)

Teacher and researcher in the intellectual tradition of wisdom and the Ahl al-Bayt | Soroush Bamdadān Cultural Center

Just as weakness of certainty in this passage concerns one’s servitude to God, so too does suspicion apply in that same regard.

و لا یغلبن علیک سوء الظن بالله عز و جل فإنه لن یدع بینک و بین خلیلک صلحا ...

Man lā yaḥḍuruhu al-faqīh, vol. 4, p. 385

And do not let suspicion of God, Mighty and Majestic, overcome you, for it will leave no room for reconciliation between you and your friend.

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What Does “Suspicion” in This Supplication Refer To—Is It Only Suspicion of God?

The essence and first answer at a glance (60-word summary)

Answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat)

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