What is the obligation of one who is afflicted with intrusive thoughts?

Question:
Our sister, the questioner, O Shaykh, in one of her questions says: She mentions that she is a girl living in severe torment, feeling that she is in complete confusion, and that the earth has become so narrow for her despite its vastness. I am very confused—says this questioner—because I have intrusive thoughts during prayer. This happens frequently, and false illusions and fantasies increase. Intrusive thoughts torment my mind and heart, leading a person out of the religion and causing them to fall into shirk (associating partners with Allah). However, because of this, I have many intrusive thoughts and illusions, and I feel that my deeds are invalid, and that my fasting and prayer are all rejected. This is accompanied by much sadness and it distresses me greatly. I dislike living in this life, and at the same time, I fear the Lord . What should I say to Him? All these intrusive thoughts are serious; I cannot utter them or disclose them to anyone; because—as I said—they lead one out of the religion. This has happened to me for more than three years, and it increases during the blessed month of Ramadan. So guide us, O Shaykh, and advise us in this matter, may you be rewarded?

Answer:
What is obligatory for you is: seeking refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan when any of this occurs, turning to worship, and increasing the remembrance of Allah . And you should say when the intrusive thoughts occur: “I believe in Allah and His messengers, I believe in Allah and His messengers, I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan.” This is what the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) when they asked him about the great intrusive thoughts that occur to them. He said to them: .
So what is obligatory for you is to say: “I believe in Allah and His messengers,” and to continue in your good deeds, and to discard the intrusive thought, and to say: “I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan.” And you should build upon the fact that your work is complete; your prayer is valid, and your wudu' (ablution) is valid, and do not repeat anything. Rather, act based on your belief in that, and praise be to Allah, along with seeking refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan, and saying: “I believe in Allah and His messengers, I believe in Allah and His messengers,” and turning away from these intrusive thoughts, and seeking refuge in Allah from the Shaytan.

The presenter: May Allah reward you and bless you, O Shaykh.