My mother does not bow or prostrate in prayer due to pain in her joints and legs; she only nods her head. Is her prayer valid?
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The questioner : I have a mother who does not bow or prostrate in prayer due to pain in her joints and legs; she only nods her head. Is her prayer valid in such a case?
The Shaykh : Yes, her prayer is valid. Whoever cannot bow should indicate it while standing, and whoever cannot prostrate should indicate it while sitting, based on the saying of Allah (Blessed and Exalted is He):[Al-Baqarah 2:286] and His saying (the Exalted): [At-Taghabun 64:16].
And based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to 'Imran ibn Husayn:Sunan Abi Dawud 952Sahih (Al-Albani).
The questioner : May Allah bless you.
The Shaykh : Yes, her prayer is valid. Whoever cannot bow should indicate it while standing, and whoever cannot prostrate should indicate it while sitting, based on the saying of Allah (Blessed and Exalted is He):
Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity
لا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَاSo fear Allah as much as you are able
فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْAnd based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to 'Imran ibn Husayn:
offer prayer in standing condition; if you are unable to do so, then in sitting condition: if you are then at your side
صلِّ قائما فإن لم تستطع فقاعدا فإن لم تستطع فعلى جنبThe questioner : May Allah bless you.