Q: An old man was infected with a disease resembling paralysis that he cannot get up or walk without help and articulates very heavily. Now, he combines two Salahs (Prayers) at the time of one of them as it is difficult for him to perform Wudu’ (ablution) for every Salah. Moreover, he cannot utter some Ayahs (Qur’anic verses) and invocations while offering Salah.The question is: Is doing so valid? What is obligatory on him regarding reciting the Qur’an and Adhkar (invocations) whether during Salah or thereafter? What should he do regarding the fact that he cannot utter some of the former? How should disabled people pray? Give us a Fatwa (legal opinion), may Allah reward you!

A: It is obligatory on such a person to offer Salah in accordance with his ability. Allah (Exalted be He) says: So keep your duty to Allâh and fear Him as much as you can Thus, if he can use water for Taharah (ritual purification) even through the help of others, he will have to do so. Otherwise, he should perform Tayammum (dry ablution with clean earth). If he can offer Salah while standing, he will have to do so. Otherwise, he should move his head down signaling Ruku‘ (bowing) and move it lower signaling Sujud (prostration). Moreover, he should recite the Qur’an in accordance with his ability. It is obligatory only to recite Surah Al-Fatihah, whereas reciting other parts of the Qur’an in the first and second Rak‘ahs (units of Prayer) of all Salahs is Sunnah (supererogatory act of worship following the example of the Prophet). (Part No. 6; Page No. 378) Furthermore, if he can offer every Salah at its due time without great difficulty, he will have to do so. Otherwise, it will be permissible for him to combine Zuhr (Noon) and ‘Asr (Afternoon) Salahs when the time of any of them is due and Maghrib (Sunset) and ‘Isha’ (Night) Salahs when the time of any of them is due.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.