What is the ruling on a patient with Alzheimer's, who has lost their memory and comprehension, abandoning prayer and fasting?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
If an Alzheimer's patient's dementia worsens to the point of losing their mind, they are no longer held accountable (mukallaf), so neither prayer nor fasting becomes obligatory upon them. However, if they still comprehend matters and are aware of their actions, they should perform prayers in the manner they are able. If they are unable to fast, they may break their fast and feed a poor person for each day missed.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/55001
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 55001
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy