Is the feeling that one will fail an exam if they do a certain thing, or excessive thinking about how to close a door, or linking the position of a toilet lock to exam results, or feeling that God is punishing a person for quitting masturbation, or postponing supplication and prayer until after the exam so that the supplication is not a supplication of self-interest—is all of this considered waswasah (whisperings/obsessive thoughts)?

Anxiety about failure and pessimism about certain matters are impermissible and reprehensible forms of pessimism. The cure for this lies in relying solely on Allah and getting rid of these devilish thoughts, for all matters are in Allah's hands and by His decree. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Superstitious omens are polytheism, superstitious omens are polytheism" – he said it three times – "And there is none of us except that… but Allah removes it with reliance [upon Him]." As for abandoning prayer and supplication for fear of the suspicion that it is for a worldly matter, this is impermissible, and it is from the whispers of Satan to deter you from the remembrance of Allah and prayer. Prayer is an obligation and a pillar of Islam, and supplication is a great act of worship. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Supplication is worship." A Muslim is required to persevere in prayer and supplication, and when affliction or a need arises, one should increase in both. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, "if he was troubled by a matter, he would hasten to prayer." And Allah Almighty commanded us to seek help through patience and prayer: "O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient."