Does one who says to himself, "I am a disbeliever," out of sorrow for his disbelief, knowing that this statement expels him from the fold of Islam, become a disbeliever? And what is the correct ruling in this case?

A person afflicted with disbelief-inducing whispers (waswasah) concerning the meaning of duress is not held accountable for the statements that emanate from him. Even more so, one who merely says such things to himself, and not verbally, is not to be held accountable. As long as she dislikes these whispers, is repulsed by them, and is keen on getting rid of them, they will not harm her. Her dislike for them is proof of the sincerity of her faith. She must strive against her soul and endeavor to rid herself of them by every possible means.