Does prayer fall away from a deaf-mute man nearing seventy who fasts, speaks truthfully, knows the Kaaba, and loves good, but has not learned to pray due to its difficulty? And is it permissible for his son to pray on his behalf, and perform Hajj and Umrah on his behalf during his lifetime?

The guardian of a mute person must teach them the practical matters of their religion, such as purity and prayer, and accustom them to going to the mosque and praying in congregation. The intention is sufficient for them. It is forbidden by scholarly consensus to pray on behalf of another person. As for Hajj and Umrah on behalf of someone incapacitated by illness, there is no harm in it if they give permission; Hajj cannot be performed on their behalf without their permission. The children of a mute person must teach them the rulings of purity and prayer practically and take them to the mosque. Prayer is not waived for them as long as they are sane. If they are certain of his ability to travel to Mecca, they should perform Hajj with him or send someone capable of doing so with him. If they are certain of his inability, there is no harm in them performing Hajj on his behalf or having others perform it for him, and this becomes obligatory if he possesses wealth. If they perform Hajj with him, they should make the talbiyah on his behalf and prevent him from the prohibitions of ihram. If he violates them, he is subject to the same penalties as others.