Liability of a mentally ill person


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Q: My daughter is 30 years old and she has children. She has been suffering from a mental disorder for 14 years. In the past, she used to suffer from this disorder from time to time. However, this time she has been suffering from it for three months. Therefore, she does not perfect Wudu (ablution) or Salah (Prayer) except when someone helps her and shows her how and what to pray. Now during Ramadan, (Part No. 14; Page No. 217) she has observed Sawm (Fast) for one day but could not fast well and could not fast the remaining days. I need your advice regarding this issue. What should she and I do? It should be noted that I am her guardian.


A: If the reality is as you have mentioned about her metal condition, she does not have to observe Sawm or Salah nor to make up for the missed acts of worship as long as she is experiencing this condition. All you have to do is to take care of her because you are her guardian. It is authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he said: All of you are guardians and are responsible for your charges... If she recovers, she has to offer the current Salah at hand. Likewise, if she recovers for some days during Ramadan, she only has to fast the current days at hand. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.




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