Is fasting obligatory for a patient in his eighties who suffers from a brain disease that has caused him to lose the ability to control the right side of his body and to express himself, and who has forgotten how to pray and the number of rak'ahs, while still understanding what is happening around him? And if he is exempted from fasting, is it permissible to give the fidyah for fasting on his behalf, at a rate of one and a half kilograms of wheat for each day, to one needy person at the end of Ramadan, or must it be given daily? And is it permissible to give this fidyah from private money, knowing that he has a small income that he has not spent since his illness?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
For the validity of fasting, the presence of intellect is a prerequisite. Therefore, whoever loses it due to insanity or senility is not obligated to fast or pray, nor is any food expiation required on their behalf as a substitute for fasting. As for one who is of sound mind but unable to fast due to old age, they must pay a (expiation) for each day, which is a mudd of food (approximately 750 grams of rice or similar). This can be paid from their own money with their permission, or from their daughter's money. It is permissible to pay it daily or at the end of the month.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/71318
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 71318
- 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