The Deaf and Mute: Is He Legally Accountable?

Q: Is a deaf and mute child considered legally accountable for acts of worship, such as prayer, or is he excused?

A: If a deaf and mute child has reached puberty, he is considered legally accountable for all types of obligations, including prayer and others. He must be taught what is required of him through writing and gestures, based on the general evidence from the Shari'ah indicating that obligations are incumbent upon anyone who reaches puberty and is of sound mind.
Puberty is attained by completing fifteen years of age, or by ejaculation due to a wet dream or otherwise, or by the growth of coarse hair around the private parts. For a woman, a fourth sign is added, which is menstruation. It is the duty of his guardian to perform on his behalf what is obligatory of financial rights, such as zakah and others. It is also his duty to teach him what is hidden from him through possible means, so that he understands what Allah has made obligatory upon him and what He has forbidden.
And Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He, says: [Surat al-Taghabun: 16], and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Therefore, the legally accountable person who does not hear, or does not speak, or has been afflicted with both deafness and muteness, must fear Allah as much as he is able by performing the obligatory acts and avoiding the forbidden ones. He must also seek knowledge of the religion according to his ability through observation, writing, and gestures, until he understands what is required of him.
And success is from Allah.