Q: I have a deaf-mute female relative who understands nothing except certain things through gestures. She performs Salah (prayer) though she sometimes increases or decreases in performing it. We can not make her understand the teachings of Salah or Sawm (fast). She observes Sawm because she sees people fasting. But if Ramadan is over and she has to make up for days she missed during Ramadan, she refuses to make up for them because she sees no one who is observing Sawm. We can not teach her as she does not understand us. We would like you to guide us about the way she can perform such acts of worship. Is she required to perform all acts of worship as a normal sane person? Moreover, she does not understand what is said to her.

A: If the prescribed time of Salah comes, you can make her perform Salah with another woman in order for her to imitate her. As for Sawm, she can observe it along with women who also have to make up for days that they missed of Sawm. If there are no women in your house who are required to make up days of Sawm, a person can observe Sawm voluntary such as Mondays and Thursdays in order for her to imitate them. This is one of the means of doing good. Allah asks us to do good. He (Exalted be He) says, ...and do good. Truly, Allâh loves Al-Muhsinûn (the good-doers). If no one is ready to observe Sawm along with her, they can prepare a predawn meal and breakfast for her and makes her think that they are observing Sawm even if this is not so. They can eat and drink during the day while they are away from her (Part No. 8; Page No. 87) lest she should imitate him.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.