Will a mentally disabled sister (Down syndrome) be held accountable for her actions? Is she obligated to observe religious rulings such as hijab and prayer? Is the mother sinful for her leniency in teaching and guiding her religiously? Does the sin of not marrying her fall upon us? What is the ruling on the shortcomings that have occurred towards her? What is necessary to rectify this? What are her rights and duties? Does a curse befall one who does not ward off harm from her? Is it permissible to pray for her healing from mental disability?

Down syndrome patients are not held accountable by the consensus of scholars, nor are they obliged to perform prayer. Rather, they are guided to it as an encouragement and recommendation. They must be protected from unlawful acts such as indecencies. As for the hijab, the guardian must keep her away from mixing with men and cover her adornments. It is permissible to marry off a person with intellectual disability if there is a need for it, and care must be taken to marry her to a person of good religious practice and character. It is permissible to hit a person with intellectual disability for discipline and reform, provided it is not excessive. Praying for healing from diseases is permissible and is not considered an excess in supplication. Individuals with Down syndrome are not held accountable, and they have full legal capacity for obligation, but their legal capacity for performance varies according to their discernment. Their actions range from pure benefit, pure harm, and those oscillating between the two. Their Sharia rulings vary according to their discernment. Those with discernment are commanded to perform acts of worship, while those without discernment are like the insane. Their actions and words vary according to their condition, and they will be in Paradise, by the will of Allah.