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What is the share of a brother severely afflicted with autism in property? And do religious obligations, such as charitable works, Hajj, and Udhiyah, cease to apply to him? What is the Sharia ruling regarding sisters not receiving their share of inheritance in the presence of two brothers, and is it obligatory for sisters to demand their right, and for brothers to give them their share?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The Islamic ruling concerning a brother afflicted with autism can be summarized in three points:

1. Religious Accountability (Taklif) and Related Rulings: If the autism is severe to the extent of losing discernment and intellect, he is relieved of religious accountability. He is not required to perform prayers, fast, or similar acts, based on the hadith: "The pen has been lifted from three: ... and from the insane person until he regains his sanity." If he possesses his intellect and discernment, he is accountable for what he is capable of performing from acts of worship. Zakat is obligatory on his wealth unconditionally, even if he has lost his intellect. Hajj should be performed on his behalf from his wealth if he is financially capable but physically unable. If he is aware and capable of performing Hajj himself, it is incumbent upon him.

2. Management of His Property: If he is in possession of his intellect, he may dispose of his property freely. If he is not in possession of his intellect, his property must be safeguarded, and it is impermissible to dispose of it except for what is in his best interest, such as necessary expenses. Zakat on his wealth is obligatory.

3. Inheritance: The inheritance is divided according to Allah's division, and it is impermissible to deprive any heir of their share; otherwise, severe punishment will be incurred, as Allah Almighty says: ﴿These are the limits [set by] Allah, and whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger will be admitted by Him to gardens [in Paradise] under which rivers flow, abiding eternally therein; and that is the great attainment. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger and transgresses His limits – He will admit him to Fire, abiding eternally therein, and he will have a humiliating punishment.﴾

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

Read the full answer on Ftawy