Salaat actions for elderly unable to do completely

Question

I am a new to Islam and well into my 60s. I am so eager to learn, Insha'Allah. However, in learning to do the Salaat properly my body is unable to do things such as kneel or sit on the floor. I try at least and prostrate next to a chair to pull myself up and can do a little but it is very painful. I cannot sit at all in the kneeling position. Do you have suggestions? Thank you so very much.

Answer

May Allah bless you with piety (Taqwa) and purity, strong Imaan, forgiveness of sins, have mercy on you, elevate your status, and bless you with knowledge of Deen and generosity. Ameen!

May Allah accept your acts of worship and make it easy for you. If you are not able to sit on the floor or prostrate, you may pray Salaat sitting on a chair. You will perform the ruku' and sajdah simply by lowering your head. This is called performing ruku and sajdah with gesture (ishaara).

However, remember that for the salaat to be valid, it is necessary that the gesture of the sajdah is lower than the gesture of the ruku. If the gesture of the sajdah is only slightly lower than the gesture of the ruku, even then the salaat will be valid. In your situation, it is not necessary to lower the forehead close to the ground or to bow down as much as one can manage.

On the other hand, if one performs the gestures of both the sajdah and the ruku at the same level, or if her gesture of the sajdah is higher than her gesture of the ruku', her salaat will not be valid.

All the recitations will remain the same.

If you still have any further questions please feel free to ask. May Allah make it easy for you, Ameen.

And Allah knows best.

Ask Alimah Team

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