How does a sick person who cannot move pray?

Question : This questioner asks, saying: There is a patient in the hospital who has been there for six months and has not prayed because he is unable to, and likewise he has not fasted. What is the ruling regarding performing the prayer and fasting on his behalf? May Allah reward you with good.

Answer : As for the prayer, I do not think there is anyone who is unable to perform it, because it is obligatory for a person to pray standing. If he cannot, he prays sitting. If he cannot, he prays lying on his side, indicating with his head. If he cannot, he indicates with his eyes. He does not indicate with his finger as the common people do, for this has no basis. If he is unable to indicate with his eyes, he prays with his heart, meaning he says the opening takbir, recites al-Fatihah after the opening supplication, then says takbir and intends that he is bowing, and says "Subhana Rabbi al-Azim" (Glory be to my Lord, the Great), then says "Sami' Allahu li man hamidah" (Allah hears the one who praises Him) and intends that he is rising. He prays with his intention. If he has no consciousness, then the prayer is dropped from him in this state because he is not of discernment. As for fasting, if he is able to fast, he fasts. If he is not able, then it is looked at: if his illness is expected to be cured, he waits until he recovers and then fasts. If it is not expected to be cured, he feeds a poor person for each day on his behalf.