❀ Shariah’s Ease for Those Unable to Recite Qur'an in Salah ❀
Written by: Imran Ayyub Lahori◈ Concessions in Shariah for Specific Individuals
Islam is a religion of ease and practicality. For those who, due to old age, weakness, or limited mental capacity, are unable to recite the Qur'an in prayer, Shariah offers special allowances. The teachings of the Prophet ﷺ clearly demonstrate this compassion and leniency.
➊ Permission to Recite Other Adhkār When Qur’an Is Not Memorized
Hadith of Rifāʿah ibn Rāfiʿ رضي الله عنه
Sayyidunā Rifāʿah ibn Rāfiʿ رضي الله عنه narrates:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ taught a man how to pray and said:
“If you know anything from the Qur'an, then recite it. Otherwise, say ‘Al-ḥamdu lillāh’, ‘Allāhu Akbar’, and ‘Lā ilāha illā Allāh’, and then bow (for rukūʿ).”
(Abū Dāwūd, Kitāb al-Ṣalāh, 168; Tirmidhī: 203)
➤ This Hadith is clear evidence that if a person does not remember any portion of the Qur’an, they may perform rukūʿ in Salah by reciting these specific Adhkār (remembrances).
➋ What to Do If One Remembers Nothing from the Qur'an?
Hadith of ʿAbdullāh ibn Abī Awfā رضي الله عنه
Sayyidunā ʿAbdullāh ibn Abī Awfā رضي الله عنه reports:
A companion said to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ:
“I do not remember anything from the Qur'an, so teach me something that will suffice me.”
The Prophet ﷺ replied:
“Say: Subḥān Allāh, Al-ḥamdu lillāh, Lā ilāha illā Allāh, Allāhu Akbar, and Lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā biLlāh.”
(Abū Dāwūd, Bāb: Mā Yajzīʾ al-Ummi wa al-Aʿjamī min al-Qirāʾah, 238 — authenticated as ḥasan by Shaykh al-Albānī)
➤ This narration provides a practical guideline for those unable to memorize even a single verse of the Qur'an. They are taught to recite these specific phrases in place of Qur'anic verses in Salah.
➌ Striving to Learn Sūrah al-Fātiḥah Is Obligatory
Although allowances are granted in exceptional cases, it remains obligatory (wājib) for every Muslim to strive to learn Sūrah al-Fātiḥah, as it is a necessary component of Salah.
This concession applies only to those who genuinely lack the ability to memorize Sūrah al-Fātiḥah despite sincere effort.
Those who have the ability to learn but fail to do so out of laziness or neglect are not eligible for these concessions.
Conclusion
✔ Islam considers the individual circumstances of each person and provides ease accordingly.
✔ For those unable to recite the Qur’an due to age or cognitive limitations, the recitation of substitute Adhkār in Salah is allowed.
✔ However, it is mandatory for every capable Muslim to strive to memorize Sūrah al-Fātiḥah as long as they are able to do so.
