Is it obligatory to make up the missed prayers for someone who was completely unconscious in the intensive care unit for a long period, and is the obligation to pray in the mosque waived for him due to pains that hinder him?

Firstly: We ask Allah to cure the questioner and make what afflicted him an expiation for his sins. We give him the glad tidings of the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "No misfortune befalls a Muslim but Allah expiates some of his sins because of it, even if it is a thorn that pricks him." And his saying: "On the Day of Resurrection, the people of ease will wish, when the people of affliction are given their rewards, that their skins had been cut to pieces with scissors."

Secondly: Scholars differed regarding making up prayers missed due to unconsciousness: Malikis and Shafi'is: There is no make-up for him whatsoever unless he regains consciousness during a portion of the prayer time. Hanafis: A person who was unconscious makes up five prayers. If it exceeds that, the obligation of making them up is dropped. Hanbalis: Making up the prayers is obligatory for the unconscious person, based on the action of Ammar.

The fatwa adopted by us is the opinion of the Malikis and Shafi'is. However, the opinion that making up the prayers is obligatory is more cautious and more absolving of responsibility. So, if the questioner adopts it, it would be good. If the prayers are many, let him pray a prayer similar to each current prayer until he makes up what he owes, as narrated by Abu Mijlaz from Samura ibn Jundub.

Thirdly: We advise the questioner to be patient and seek reward from Allah, for patience in the face of divine decree is a sign of success.