What is the ruling on one who has reached a very old age and deliberately abandoned prayer? And what should we do concerning him, given that he is aware and not bedridden? Should we give charity on his behalf or leave him? What is the ruling on dealing with elderly people who do not observe ritual purity? And are the children sinful if they do not eat with their father for these reasons? What is the ideal solution in such cases?

A father afflicted with dementia should be examined by doctors to determine his level of awareness. If he has lost his mind, he is not accountable for religious obligations. If he is aware, then he is bound by religious duties, and one must be kind to him and assist him with purification (tahara) and prayer (salat), encouraging him to use water for istinja' (washing after defecation/urination). If he wishes for you to share a meal with him, his request must be obeyed, while also cleaning him if he has any impurities on him. The Divine Law (Shari'a) encourages filial piety and kindness towards parents in their old age. However, giving money to the poor does not substitute for prayer, nor for the poor praying on his behalf.