Is a person considered a disbeliever merely by the intention of leaving Islam, and what is meant by Imam al-Nawawi's statement, "Apostasy is the severing of Islam by intention, or an utterance of disbelief, or an action [of disbelief], whether one says it mockingly, defiantly, or believingly"? And is the intention of someone afflicted by obsessive-compulsive disorder considered among the "severing of Islam by intention"?

Fleeting intrusive thoughts are pardoned, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Indeed, Allah has forgiven my Ummah for whatever thoughts cross their minds, as long as they do not act upon them or speak of them." This includes passing thoughts, whether they are backbiting, disbelief, or anything else, as long as they do not settle and their owner does not intentionally dwell on them. So, whoever has a thought of disbelief merely cross their mind and immediately dismisses it is not a disbeliever and is not held accountable for it. The person afflicted with obsessive thoughts is advised not to succumb to Satan and to seek refuge in Allah.