A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.
Negative thinking.
This is referred to as pessimistic thinking.
It inclines the person toward pessimism and a bleak outlook on matters.
Consequently, they emphasize evil and harbor ill assumptions.
They dwell on faults rather than virtues.
The danger of this type of cognitive distortion
is that it leads the individual toward despair, frustration, and doubt.
This contradicts what has come in the Book and the Sunnah regarding the command to be optimistic,
to expect good, and to maintain a positive opinion.
As in the words of Allah the Exalted:
"Satan threatens you with poverty and orders you to immorality,"
"while Allah promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty."
"And Allah is all-Encompassing, all-Knowing."
And He said regarding His Prophet Ya'qub, peace be upon him:
“Go, O my sons, and ascertain concerning Joseph and his brother, and despair not of the Spirit of Allah. Lo! none despaireth of the Spirit of Allah save disbelieving folk.” (12:87)
“Go, O my sons, and ascertain concerning Joseph and his brother, and despair not of the Spirit of Allah. Lo! none despaireth of the Spirit of Allah save disbelieving folk.” (12:87)
A narration has been reported, though its attribution to the Prophet is weak,
yet it is authentic when attributed to 'Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him.
"Indeed, Satan has a touch upon the son of Adam,
and the angel has a touch.
As for the touch of Satan,
it is a promise of evil and a denial of the truth.
As for the touch of the angel,
it is a promise of good and a confirmation of the truth.
So whoever finds that [within himself],
let him know that it is from Allah,
and let him praise Allah.
And whoever finds the other,
let him seek refuge in Allah from Satan."
He then recited:
"Satan threatens you with poverty,"
to the end of the verse.
A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.