❖ Question:
What is the Islamic ruling for someone who remained unconscious or mentally unstable for two months and, as a result, neither prayed nor fasted during that period, including Ramadan?
❖ Answer:
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد!
In Shari'ah, a person who is in a state of insanity (junoon) or unconsciousness (ghashiyan) is not obligated to fulfill acts of worship such as Salah and fasting. However, the ruling may vary depending on the specific circumstance, as detailed below:
❖ Ruling on Missed Fasts
① If the person recovers:
Once the individual regains consciousness or sanity, and if Ramadan fasts were obligatory upon them,→ They must make up (Qada) for the missed fasts after recovery.
② If the person dies before recovery:
If death occurs without regaining consciousness,→ No Qada (compensation) of the fasts is required.
③ If the person remains permanently incapacitated:
In case of permanent disability such as extreme old age or irreversible mental illness,→ The guardian (wali) must feed one needy person for each missed fast.
❖ Ruling on Missed Prayers
There is a difference of opinion among scholars regarding making up missed Salah in such cases.
1. View of the Majority of Scholars (Jumhoor):
According to the majority, Qada of Salah is not required for someone who was mentally unstable or unconscious.Evidence:
The narration of Abdullah ibn Umar رضي الله عنهما,
"He remained unconscious for one day and night, and he did not make up the missed prayers."
(Al-Musannaf by `Abdur-Razzaq, 2/479)
2. View of Later Hanbali Scholars:
According to some late Hanbali scholars, Qada is required even in this case.Evidence:
A narration concerning Ammar ibn Yasir رضي الله عنه:
"He remained unconscious for one day and one night, and he made up the missed prayers."
(Al-Musannaf by `Abdur-Razzaq, 2/479)
Conclusion:
→ Fasting must be made up only if recovery occurs. If death or permanent incapacity follows, no Qada is required.
→ As for Salah, the majority of scholars hold that Qada is not obligatory, while some scholars—particularly among the late Hanbalis—do require it.
ھٰذَا مَا عِندِی وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَاب
This is what I hold to be correct. And Allah knows best what is right.
