What is the ruling on one who suffers from obsessive thoughts of polytheism (shirk) and finds it difficult to rely on Allah, and contemplates relying on others or on himself; and what is the ruling concerning his wife and his treatment, and what are the matters in which reliance (tawakkul) is obligatory?

Whispers (waswas) do not affect a Muslim's faith as long as they do not speak of them or act upon them. They are from Satan, intended to cause discord between a person and their spouse. The way to get rid of them is by relying on Allah Almighty, for Satan has no authority over those who rely [on Allah]. Reliance (tawakkul) is the heart's dependence on Allah and trust in Him in all matters, while also taking the necessary means. It is one of the requisites of faith and among the greatest acts of worship. What the questioner described is from the whispers of Satan, aiming to make reliance and acts of worship detestable to him. The cure for them is to completely disregard and turn away from them.