What is my duty towards my bedridden father who claims to pray but refuses help with wudu’ or tayammum, believing that merely touching some areas with water when he enters the bathroom is sufficient for him?
If the father's mind is impaired, prayer is neither obligatory for him nor valid from him. However, if he is of sound mind, prayer is obligatory upon him and is not waived. It is incumbent upon the son to remind his father of the religious obligation. If he responds, then praise be to Allah. If he refuses, then the son has fulfilled his duty and is absolved. The father must perform as much of the prayer's conditions and pillars as he is able. What he is unable to do is waived for him. If he is able to perform ablution, even with assistance, it is obligatory for him. Otherwise, he should perform . If he is able to wash some limbs, he should wash them and perform tayammum for the rest. He should pray standing if he is able; otherwise, while sitting or on his side. He is not permitted to abandon prayer as long as he is of sound mind.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 118322
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- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy