Answer: If the illness reaches the point where consciousness, intellect, and awareness are lost, then he is excused, because the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The Pen has been lifted from three,” and he mentioned among them “the one who is insane until he regains his sanity.” Yet she stated that he had abandoned the prayer before this illness struck, and she did not mention that, after becoming ill, he actually lost awareness or reason.

Question: Is it likewise invalid to make up the missed fasts?

Answer: Scholars differ about making up missed fasts, but in this particular case it is not valid, because he abandoned the prayer. However, if he had been observant of the prayer and had only missed some days of Ramadan due to illness or a legitimate excuse and then died, the scholars do differ, and the sound view is that someone should make them up on his behalf, for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever dies while a fast is due from him, his guardian should fast on his behalf.”

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Visiting one who abandons the prayer

Question: What is the ruling on visiting a person who has left the prayer when he is sick, on attempting to treat him and seeking medical care for him, or on attending his funeral if he dies?

Answer: As for visiting him and striving for his treatment, if there is hope that the visit will become a means for his guidance—calling him to repent and to turn back from what he is doing—then this is a praiseworthy act. Visit him, advise him, and invite him to repent; perhaps Allah, exalted is He, will grant him repentance through your efforts, and you will be the cause of that. If he dies, Allah may grant him a good end, and if Allah heals him, you may be the reason for his uprightness and guidance for the rest of his life.