What should we do with a 65-year-old father who prays all his obligatory prayers sitting at home without khushu', does not recite the Quran but only listens to it, and does not pray in the mosque except for Friday prayer? We have tried to advise him regarding congregational prayer and reciting the Quran, but he does not respond. Furthermore, he frequently speaks about the faults of people and neighbors, engaging in backbiting (namimah) at home. [We ask this] fearing that Allah might be displeased with us or that we might bear a burden due to his speech?

Your father commits some Shariah violations, which are: 1. Praying while sitting despite being able to stand: This invalidates the prayer, as standing is a pillar in obligatory prayers for those who are able. Whoever did this out of ignorance is not required to repeat the prayer, according to the most authoritative opinion. As for one who did it intentionally, they must repeat the prayer. 2. Abandoning congregational prayer: Congregational prayer is obligatory, according to the most authoritative opinions of the scholars. 3. Backbiting and slandering people: This is forbidden and a major sin.

Your duty is to advise your father gently and kindly. If he insists on backbiting, you must leave the gathering so that you do not become partners in sin. If you do this and advise him, you are absolved, and you bear no share of his sin.