Dr. Ahmed Wissam, Secretary of Fatwa at Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta, received a question via the official Facebook page asking: “My elderly mother was ill and someone told her she doesn’t have to pray when she’s weak. Is that true?”
In response, Wissam explained that such advice is incorrect, as prayer does not fall from obligation as long as the believer is conscious and aware. He emphasized that a sick person should pray in whatever form they are able — standing, sitting, lying down, or by moving their eyes if necessary — citing the Quranic verse: “So fear Allah as much as you are able” (At-Taghabun: 16).
He added that illness is not an excuse to abandon prayer but rather a test of faith and patience. If one cannot use water for ablution, tayammum (dry purification) is allowed. Those unable to stand may pray sitting, and if even that is difficult, they may pray lying on their side or back.
Dar al-Ifta further clarified that anyone who missed prayers due to illness while still conscious must make them up after recovery, but those unconscious or in a coma are exempt. Deliberately abandoning prayer, however, is a grave sin that requires sincere repentance and seeking forgiveness.
Scholars also stated that patients may combine Dhuhr with Asr, and Maghrib with Isha to ease their burden, following the Prophet’s ﷺ example.
Dar al-Ifta concluded by stressing that Islam’s mercy lies in its balance between duty and ease, allowing flexibility without neglecting obligations. Prayer remains binding in every state as long as one’s mind and faith endure.
