What is the ruling on one who is afflicted by obsessive doubts (Al-Waswas), and is it permissible for him to adopt the easier opinion? And does his prayer become invalid if he follows the majority in the view that rubbing (Al-Dalk) is not obligatory? And what is the sufficient amount of rubbing according to the Malikis? And is it permissible for one afflicted by obsessive doubts to omit rubbing if the view that it is not obligatory is the stronger opinion? And is one who abandons prayer considered a disbeliever and will he abide eternally in Hellfire if he dies ignorant of this ruling?

A Muslim is not obligated to follow the strictest opinions among scholars. Rather, an ordinary person is obliged to emulate those scholars whose knowledge and piety they trust, and by doing so, their responsibility is fulfilled, even if what they acted upon was the easier opinion. A person suffering from intrusive thoughts (waswas) is permitted to adopt the easier opinions among scholars to alleviate hardship and remove embarrassment. Rubbing (dalk) in ablution (wudu') is commendable but not obligatory. Therefore, there is no harm for someone who adopts the opinion that rubbing is not obligatory in ablution and that their prayer is valid, especially for someone experiencing intrusive thoughts.