A woman in her thirties married to a man in his eighties who has been afflicted with a memory disorder that has made him very forgetful, to the point that

The questioner : This questioner, may the Shaykh be honored, actually wrote this message in her own words. She says, "Your sister in Allah, may the Shaykh be honored, recalls that she is a woman in her thirties, married to a man in his eighties. This man fell ill and was hospitalized, then discharged. He was afflicted with a memory disorder and became very forgetful, to the point that he no longer remembers the prayer. She says, 'He asks us many questions and repeats them frequently. Sometimes I get angry and do not answer him, or I answer with anger and a loud voice. I am very afraid that I am sinful for this, even though I treat him well, care for him, and answer his many tedious questions. What is the ruling on this, O honorable Shaykh? And what is your advice to me? May you be rewarded.'"

The Shaykh : Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and I send prayers and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and his Companions, and those who follow them in excellence until the Day of Judgment. It is established from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that he said: And the mercy of Allah the Exalted is near to the doers of good. Your husband has now reached a state that requires mercy and compassion. If you show him mercy and compassion, you thereby deserve the mercy and compassion of Allah Mighty and Majestic. And if you are patient with the harm he causes you, whether in speech or action, you will rise to the rank of the patient, about whom Allah said: .
So my advice to you is to complete your excellence and kindness by bearing patience with him. When a person tastes the sweetness of patience, even though it is bitter, he always finds it palatable. And it has been said regarding patience:
"Patience is like its name: its taste is bitter, but its consequences are sweeter than honey."
So be patient and seek reward from Allah Mighty and Majestic. The continuation of a state is impossible. I ask Allah the Exalted to prolong the life of your husband and your life in obedience to Allah, and to grant us all patience, seeking reward, and mercy for those who deserve mercy. Indeed, He is capable of all things.

The questioner : O Allah, amen.

The Shaykh : And I thank you for what you are doing, according to your statement, of showing him compassion, being kind to him, and fulfilling his rights. I hope that Allah the Exalted and Sublime will help you to complete this by being patient with what comes from him. And Allah is the Helper.

The questioner : May Allah bless you.