Is it permissible for a person who is blind and deaf to pray?
The majority of jurists hold that it is permissible for a blind person or a deaf person to lead the prayer. However, the Hanafis and Hanbalis disliked a blind person leading the prayer, and the Malikis disliked appointing a deaf person as a regular imam. As for the Shafi'is, they held that they are equal in leading the prayer. The preponderant opinion is that the imamate of a blind person is like that of a sighted person, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, appointed the blind Ibn Umm Maktum over Medina. As for the deaf person, his imamate is disliked because he cannot hear the alerts during the prayer.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/43237