A mother abstaining from Salah on the pretext of not knowing how to perform Wudu'

Q 2: My mother is fifty years old, but she has never performed Salah (Prayer) in her entire life, and although I have tried much with her, she only says, "I do not know how to make Wudu' (ablution)". But when I tried to teach her how to perform Wudu', she would say, "What benefit lies there for those who perform Salah." The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said that a person who abandons Salah (Prayer) is treated like a Kafir. Should I refrain from dealing or sitting with her? Or is this a kind of undutifulness to her, and by doing so I will be committing a major sin? Kindly point out to us the legal opinion in this regard. May Allah guide you. As-salamu `alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (May Allah's Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you!)


A: You have to make your mother perform Salah and teach her the rulings of Taharah (ritual purification), as it is impermissible for you to leave her like that. Allah (Exalted be He) says, And enjoin As-Salât (the prayer) on your family, and be patient in offering them [i.e. the Salât (prayers)]. And He (Exalted be He) said, O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones (Part No. 25; Page No. 272) He further said, And warn your tribe (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) of near kindred. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.


Tags: