Dealing with Constant Doubts About Wudu (Ablution) and Concentration in Prayer

Regarding OCD, phobias, or what we call obsessions—which often feel like deeply ingrained habits—the way to overcome them is to recognize that while you are under tension and distress, filled with intrusive thoughts, confusion, and hurtful experiences, you must remember something vital. We acknowledge and understand the reasons behind these feelings, but controlling your hurt, anger, resentment, and anxiety is within human power. To do this, one must take a deep breath and calm down. Remember, these things thrive on confusion. You have to pull yourself out of that confusion. In your specific case, tell yourself before starting Wudu: 'I am going to perform Wudu. Whether it breaks or not, I have the criteria set by Hadith—which is either a smell or a sound. Aside from these two things, no matter what happens, my Wudu is not broken.' Then, you must stand firm in your resolve; once you've decided it hasn't broken, then it hasn't. You have to step out of your feelings and emotions and move toward mindfulness. Once you do this, you will gain the courage of having accomplished it. Follow the same criteria during your prayer as well. Ambiguity comes from Shaitan. Once you push through it, everything will improve. May Allah make things easy for you. Ameen.