It is mentioned that some of the Sahabah (R.A.) once presented themselves to Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and said: "Our condition is that sometimes we experience such evil thoughts and sentiments in our hearts that it is most painful even to mention them.”

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) exclaimed: "But that is pure faith.”... meaning, that to feel grieved and distressed at such thoughts and sentiments is a sign of good Imaan.

In another narration, a person said to Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam):

"Sometimes such wicked ideas come to my mind that I would prefer to be burnt down and reduced to charcoal than to give utterance to them.”

Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) replied: "Praise be to Allah who turned back the matter towards thought and sentiment.”... meaning, that it is the grace of Allah Ta'ala that these thoughts and desires were not accepted and adopted but remained as is.