A patient who did not go to the Masjid due to the severity of his wound

708

Q: I suffer from permanent flatulence and excessive gases in the stomach and bowels. Their sounds embarrass me because they are heard even by those nearby. This also affects my Khushu` (the heart being submissively attuned to the act of worship) and concentration during Salah (Prayer). In fact, I become so distracted that I am unaware of what the Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) says or the number of Rak`ahs (units of Prayer) I have performed. Thus embarrassed, I refrain from going to the Masjid (mosque). Moreover, all doctors I have seen say that the disease I suffer from is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS or spastic colon) and it is an incurable disease. Am I sinful for not going to the Masjid and not offering Salah in congregation?

A: The disease mentioned above is not a valid excuse for not going to the Masjid to offer Salah in congregation. You should seek Allah's help, put these evil whisperings aside and ask Allah to cure you (we ask Allah to help you). (Part No. 7; Page No. 9) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.