What is the meaning of Imam Al-Shafi'i's saying: "And whoever is overcome in his intellect by a natural disposition, or an accidental illness that he did not bring upon himself through a sin, divorce is not binding upon him"? And what is the ruling on a divorce that occurs from someone afflicted with obsessive doubts about divorce due to a sin, knowing that he is constantly obsessive and may perceive the utterance without moving his tongue?

All that has been mentioned is neither a divorce nor a semblance of divorce; rather, it is obsessive whispers (waswas). You must turn away from these whispers and seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Satan. It is advisable to consult a pious Muslim psychiatrist, as medications have shown benefit in treating obsessions. Imam Al-Shafi'i's statement, may Allah have mercy on him, was not a reason for him to bring it upon himself through an act of disobedience, nor does it mean what you thought. Rather, it means that his mind was not absent due to something forbidden like alcohol. For one who does that, divorce, hudud (punishments), and fara'id (obligations) become binding upon him according to his madhhab.