A woman whose son’s father has passed away; does she have to stand up for the prayer? Is there anything required of her?

Question : Shaykh, this questioner on the line mentions that she has a son whose father has passed away a long time ago. He is very late for the prayer. She says he is annoying to her and misses many prayer times. She says, “I always wake him up for the prayer and order him to do so, but he does not respond to this request. Am I sinful for this?”

Answer : She is not sinful for this, as long as she has done what is obligatory for her, which is ordering him to pray. This is because Allah the Exalted has not obligated us to do what we are unable to do. Also, a person does not bear the sin of another, as Allah the Blessed and Exalted said: and as He the Blessed and Exalted said: However, I offer this advice to this son. I say to him: My son, you must maintain the prayer if you want happiness in this world and the Hereafter. Fear Allah, for Allah the Exalted says: and He the Majestic and Exalted says: .
, and I say to this son who, when his mother orders him to pray, says, “I do not pray for your sake,” and says, “Pray for Allah’s sake,” that his words are not acceptable. It was obligatory for you, O son, to pray without being ordered to do so, because this is obligatory upon you.
You, O son, must maintain the prayer, and you must be dutiful to your mother. For dutifulness to parents is among the best deeds that bring one closer to Allah the Blessed and Exalted. I ask Allah for your guidance and success, and I ask Allah to magnify the reward of your mother and to reward her for this hardship. Indeed, He is Able to do all things. May Allah reward you with good. There is a call, please go ahead.