Treating Obsessions and Abandoning Acts of Worship Because of Them

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, this brother, the questioner Abu Muhammad, says to me: My brother is afflicted with obsessions, and these obsessions are persistent. He says that although we tried with him a great deal, he says that he has been unable to overcome them, and therefore he abandons some acts of worship and some prayers, saying that this is due to the obsessions.

Answer:
He must not abandon prayer or what is obligatory upon him because of the waswas. He prays, and the waswas is treated with ruqyah (healing by Qur'anic recitation), the remembrance of Allah (Mighty and Majestic), and seeking refuge from the accursed Shaytan. He does not speak about it, nor does he mention what his soul has suggested to him regarding it; rather, he keeps it secret and does not act upon it. Also, there are psychologists; if he goes to them and presents his condition to them, perhaps they will find a treatment for him. Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you,