Abstract:

Theologians have attempted to understand varied subjective phenomena to obtain objective information. Khawatir represents one such individual experience. Khawatir is intermingled with the following terms related to inward stimulants: hadîs al-nafs (inner dialogue), kalâm al-khafîy (hidden speech), fikr (opining/thinking), teemmül (deliberation), tadabbur (contemplation), ilham (inspiration), and waswasa (insinuating thoughts/ whispers from the devil). Khawatir is described as the quick and secret crossing through or occurrence of previously nonexistent ideas within the heart or mind. According to theologians, khawatir cannot be considered a source of information; however, it represents the initial step for knowledge formulation. Khawatir can emanate from the divine or the satanic. The former source inspires an individual to come closer to Allah; the latter inculcates the desire for deeds that lead to punishment in the hereafter. People can only distinguish between the two through reason. As a crucial topic of the discourse on human responsibility and sources of knowledge, deliberations of khawatir also encompass its psychological impact on human behaviors. It is also vital to explore and present the similarities and differences in multiple interpretations of the term.

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