How does a disabled person pray? What happens if a disabled person forgets prayer lines or jumbles these up? Does the Divine accept a disabled prayer? What if a person is immobile or bed ridden? What if the disabled person cannot complete ablutions (wudhu)? What if a disabled person’s wudhu breaks during prayer due to consequences of a chronic illness combined with limited mobility and fatigue, can the person continue praying?
I could potentially lose the ability to do prayers (salah, also called namaz, the second pillar of Islam). This reality hit me hard given that salah is obligatory, done five times a day, and is a priority for Muslims. Knowing Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala, the Most Glorified, the Most High) is Ar-Rahman (The Merciful) and Ar-Rahim (The Bestower of Mercy, The Most Compassionate); I set out to find answers to my questions. I researched the Qur’an, spoke with elders like my mom, asked Muslim friends with disabilities, and reviewed websites. I was very excited to discover that many options do exist in Islam for how a disabled Muslim can conduct wudhu and salah. In short, a disabled Muslim who reveals their intentions to try their best to pray within their capacity is forgiven if mistakes are made. Allah is aware of the person’s circumstances and limitations and is the most merciful. A disabled Muslim who is physically challenged can pray sitting on a chair going through the postural movements of salah; or lying in bed or on the ground using one’s eyes to go through postural movements. If completely immobile, one can do salah as best as one can. With regards to wudhu for a disabled person or one who is suffering, there is Tayammum – a method of dry ritual purification using clean sand, stone or mud if there is no water. If wudhu breaks or even if one cannot perform wudhu, there are options and Allah forgives. If prayer lines are forgotten or jumbled – Allah forgives.
I have to say my greatest joy has been to discover answers while I navigate Islam as a disabled Muslim. A Qur’anic verse I found most profound and uplifting is from Chapter 2 (al-Baqarah) verse 286: Allah does not burden us with more than we can handle. This has further deepened my belief in Ar-Rahman (The Merciful) and Ar-Rahim (The Bestower of Mercy, The Most Compassionate); and in myself. I refuse to let multiple sclerosis or any disability take away my ability to pray. Ironically, it took a disability and chronic illness to make me realize that I did not appreciate what salah meant when I was able bodied, and the regret I would feel for losing prayer. Becoming disabled has brought me closer to Allah and prayer. Now, I pray in whatever way I can because salah helps me deal with the barriers and fears I face every day. I am determined to keep moving on my journey with Allah.
A helpful site: https://islamqa.info/en/answers/71202/how-can-a-person-who-is-partially-paralyzed-do-wudoo-and-pray
Meharoona Ghani, MA, former Artist in Residence at University of Victoria’s Centre for Studies on Religion and Society; a Diversity Specialist; and a writer published in many collections. She is currently writing her creative non-fiction book called Letters to Rumi – her journey of belonging. Learn more at: mghaniconsulting.ca. Meharoona is grateful to be welcomed to live on the unceded territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən, Songhees, Esquimalt and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.
You can read more articles on our interfaith blog, Spiritually Speaking at https://www.timescolonist.com/blogs/spiritually-speaking
*This article was published in the print edition of the Times Colonist on Saturday, May 18th 2024
