I am also paranoid of different things as well but mostly of people. I think that people do not like me or hate me.
One of my paranoia eventually led me to have a mental breakdown and incredible tantrum. I thought of bad things and even said some of them.
Question 1: Would I be accountable for the sins (spoken and thought) that I committed during my paranoia and meltdown phase?
Question 2: How can I deal with paranoia and anger issues?
I also hear and see things only in my mind (visual hallucinations are rare). The voice that I hear is similar to mine and speaks of rude and terrible things that are very anti-Islam. I have noticed that some of these voices are reacting to things that I hear or see. I do not know if I have some form of schizophrenia, as I have never been to any mental check-ups.
These voices also spoke to me during Ramadhan as well as when I was in a mosque.
Do I have schizophrenia or is Satan whispering (waswasa) to me?
Does having any form of schizophrenia make me accountable for my sins?
How do I handle schizophrenia if I suffer from it?
Answer
In this counseling answer:
• The pen is lifted in certain cases, one of which is if someone is not in a sane state of mind.
• In any case, there is no harm in asking Allah for forgiveness.
• You would need to be assessed both medically and spirituality to be sure of what your diagnosis truly is.
• Strengthen your relationship with Allah.
Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullah wa barakatuh,
As you are aware, Allah is watching all of your actions, and the angels write down all of your deeds. You will be accountable for each deed.
However, the pen is lifted in certain cases, one of which is if someone is not in a sane state of mind. If you were not in a sane state of mind when you commit sin, then you would not be held accountable for these things. Only Allah knows the state of your mind at this time to know if you will be accountable.
In any case, there is no harm in asking Allah for forgiveness. Allah is the Most Merciful and likes to forgive, so turn to Him. This will also soften your heart and make you less likely to commit such sums again for fear of angering Allah.
The symptoms you state are like that of someone who is suffering schizophrenia. There are also similarities with that of someone who is experiencing waswas. However, I cannot make a diagnosis. You would need to be assessed both medically and spirituality to be sure of what your diagnosis truly is.
You should go to your doctor to get an assessment for a psychiatric disorder to confirm if it is schizophrenia you experience. If this is the case, you will be given medication to manage the symptoms and be referred to a psychiatrist and/or psychologist. He or she will be able to advise you on managing the symptoms as there are also psychological interventions that can complement medical treatment to make life more comfortable.
Check out this counseling video:
If you suffer from waswas, first try treating yourself. Repel such voices by ignoring them and seeking refuge with Allah. Remember Allah in all that you do and give no room for the waswas to take over. This can be quite difficult at first as Shaytan does not like to see you engaged in acts of worship and getting closer to Allah. He will do his very best to deter you.
Your challenge is to fight this and not act upon these voices and even increase your acts of worship, so Shaytan sees that his whispering has no effect on you. He will leave you alone.
Once you have reached this stage, you must continue with this so as not to let the whispers of Shaytan come back again. He most certainly will try again and again.
As well as seeking medical advice from your doctor, seek spiritual assistance from your local imam who will be able to advise you your symptoms from a spiritual perspective. He might perform ruqyah on you, which is always good protection for you anyway, regardless of your current symptoms.
Regardless of the diagnosis, take your difficulties to Allah and ask Him to save you from them. Turn to Him at all times as a means of protection and guidance.
May Allah grant you a full recovery from your ailments. May He forgive your sins and guide you on the straight path bringing you ease along the way.
Amen,
***
Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, its counselors or employees be held liable for any damages that may arise from your decision in the use of our services.