A patient performing Tayammum and offering Fajr and Zhuhr Prayers after missing Fajr Prayer

Q: One day I became very feverish. I woke up at the time of the Adhan (call) of Fajr (Dawn) Prayer, but I could not pray. So I took some medicine, saying to myself that I might feel better and offer Salah (Prayer), but I slept and woke up at nine o'clock in the morning to find myself Junub (in a state of post-sexual ritual impurity). I said to myself: "I will perform Ghusl (full ritual bath) and then offer Salah." But I could not do so until it was time for Zhuhr (Noon) Prayer. On hearing the Adhan of Zhuhr Prayer, I intended to perform Tayammum (dry ablution with clean earth) and offer both Fajr and Zhuhr Prayers. What is the ruling on such a situation, even though I had the desire to perform Salah at its due time, but I could not? What should be done in such a situation?

A: You have to offer Salah at its due time according to your ability - standing, sitting down or lying on your side. You have to get purified by using water, but if you are unable to use water, you can perform Tayammum, as Allah (Exalted be He) says: So keep your duty to Allâh and fear Him as much as you can (Part No. 4; Page No. 186) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.