Q: My father is around seventy or eighty years old. He suffers from many diseases, which are: 1-Bronchial asthma2-Diabetes3-Polyneuritis and spondylitis4-He has also been bedridden for three years.I would like to ask you the following questions:1-He sometimes observes Sawm (Fast) but just until midday, for he cannot continue fasting until sunset. What should he do during Ramadan?2-He cannot perform Wudu' (ablution) properly as he can neither stand nor sit. What should he do when he wants to offer Salah (Prayer)?3-His clothes are often soiled with drops of urine or traces of excrement that he might be unaware of.Please answer my questions.

A: Firstly, if your father cannot observe Sawm due to his old age or because of an incurable disease, then he should break his Sawm and feed a needy person half a Sa` (one Sa` equals 2.172 kg) of wheat, rice, dates, or other such foods that are common in his area for every day he misses. Secondly, if your father cannot perform Wudu' by himself or (Part No. 10; Page No. 173) with the help of others, then he can perform Tayammum (dry ablution) with clean earth. Thirdly, if he cannot control his urine or cannot change his clothes that might have become soiled, then he should offer Salah according to his ability to do so. He is not to be blamed for such impurities. He should make Tayamum for every Salah. However, if he can clean or wash his clothes by himself or have them washed by others or if he can replace his dirty clothes with clean ones before the time of Salah, then he should do so. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: So keep your duty to Allâh and fear Him as much as you can May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.