What is the ruling regarding a man aged one hundred years, who was steadfast in his prayers throughout his life, then began to intermittently pray, and sometimes pray without ablution, or abandon it under the pretext of old age, knowing that his health is good and he walks? Does prayer become non-obligatory for him? Is it permissible to compel him to wash his hands after relieving himself and performing prayer, knowing that he blasphemes against the Divine Essence, abstains from food, and dislikes anyone who grows a beard when attempts are made to advise him? Is it obligatory to eat with him if his hands are contaminated, and would the son be disobedient if he refused to do so? What is the solution for such a case, and are these actions due to the work of jinn and magic?
If a man's mind becomes confused due to old age, reaching a degree where he is no longer accountable for his actions, then he is not to be blamed for any words he utters or any deficiencies in his prayer. This is because the intellect is the basis of accountability, and the pen is lifted from the insane until they recover. He should not be forced to do what he does not want, and attempts should be made to gently persuade him towards cleanliness. It is neither obligatory nor permissible to eat with him while he is impure, and this is not considered an act of disobedience (disrespect to parents). Patience is required in dealing with him, and he should not be mistreated, for disrespecting parents is among the major sins. However, if he retains his awareness and intellect, then he remains accountable for his actions and is obligated to perform prayer and maintain purity.
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