Allah has required Muslims to pray according to their ability, as Allah Most High says:

“So fear Allah as much as you are able.”

A man must therefore pray with complete ritual purification, complete recitation, and complete bowing and prostration. If he has no water, or using it would harm him because of illness, cold, or some other reason, and he is in a state of minor or major ritual impurity, he must perform dry purification with clean earth—that is, soil—wiping his face and hands with it, and then pray. He must not delay the prayer beyond its appointed time, by agreement of the scholars. Likewise, if he is imprisoned, restrained, chronically disabled, or otherwise impeded, he must pray as his circumstances permit.

If he is facing an enemy, he must likewise perform the prayer of fear. Allah Most High says:

“When you travel through the land, there is no blame upon you for shortening the prayer if you fear that those who disbelieve may attack you. Indeed, the disbelievers are your open enemies.”

“And when you are among them and lead them in prayer, let a group of them stand with you,”

up to His words:

“And let them take their precautions and carry their weapons,”

and then to His words:

“But when you are secure, establish prayer. Indeed, prayer has been prescribed for the believers at appointed times.”

Muslims who are able to do so must instruct everyone—men, women, and even children—to pray. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Command them to pray at seven, strike them for neglecting it at ten, and separate them in their beds.”

If an adult man refuses to perform even one of the five prayers, or omits any of its obligatory elements whose obligatory status is agreed upon, he must be called upon to repent and, unless he repents, put to death. Among the scholars are those who