Q: I am inquiring regarding the prayer of an old woman in her 80s, who forgets daily essentials. For example, she forgets when it is time to eat food or did she already eat or not etc. She forgets her family members, for example if any name of her daughter or grand child is mentioned to her then she would hesitate to say who that person is; family member or stranger. But if she is reminded then she would know the person but again in a minute she would forget completely.
If she hears the Azan being called out then she quickly starts getting ready for salah and performs according to the best of her ability. Then, if she hears another masjid calling azan ~15 minutes later for the same prayer, she prays this salah again because she thinks she hasn’t prayed this salah yet.
Is this woman obliged by shariah to perform her five daily prayers?
A: At the time when she is not mentally stable and not in her senses, then she will not be obligated to perform salaah and other ibadaat. However, at the time when she is in the right frame of mind, then she should carry out her Ibaadat. If she requires someone to guide her in her salaah, then they may do so.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Checked & Approved: