How can a person with partial paralysis perform wudu and salah (prayer)?

In a Nutshell: People with partial paralysis can absolutely perform Wudu and Salah (prayer) to the best of their ability. Islamic scholars from various schools of thought (madhhabs) have outlined rukhsa (concessions) that allow for adaptations in Wudu and Salah based on the severity of the limitations. Table of Contents Introduction Background and Context Evidences Performing Wudu and Salah with Partial Paralysis Misconceptions FAQs Conclusion Introduction Wudu (ablution) and Salah (prayer) are the pillars of Islam, obligatory acts of worship that Muslims perform five times a day. However, some individuals may face physical limitations that hinder their ability to perform these rituals in the traditional manner. People with partial paralysis are one such group who might require adaptations to observe Wudu and Salah. This answer explains how Muslims with partial paralysis can perform Wudu and Salah while adhering to Islamic principles. Evidences Quranic Verses Allah desires ease for you and desires not hardship for you [Quran 2:185] So fear Allah as much as you can [Quran 67:2] Hadiths Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: A man came to the Prophet (saw) and said, O Messenger of Allah, I am a man who has become weak and cannot perform Salah while standing. The Prophet (saw) said, perform it while sitting. He said, I cannot do that either. The Prophet (saw) said, perform it on your side. [Sahih Bukhari] Narrated Abu Hurayrah: The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: Allah accepts (the good deeds of) the believers according to their intentions and their capacity. [Ibn Majah] Performing Wudu and Salah with Partial Paralysis Utilizing Available Limbs The primary rule is to use all available limbs to perform Wudu. A person with partial paralysis should wash the parts of their body they can control while making a sincere intention for the entire ritual. Tayammum (Dry Ablution) If using water worsens the condition or causes significant hardship, scholars may permit tayammum (dry ablution) as a substitute for Wudu. Tayammum involves using clean earth or dust to symbolically cleanse oneself. Consult a scholar to learn the specific method for performing tayammum. Performing Salah Based on Ability Salah should be performed according to one's ability. If standing is difficult, it can be performed seated or even lying down. Similarly, permissible movements for bowing (ruku) and prostration (sujood) can be adapted based on the individual's range of motion. Combining Wudu and Salah In cases where repeating Wudu for each prayer causes severe difficulty, scholars may allow combining Wudu and Salah. This means performing Wudu once and subsequently offering multiple prayers without breaking the state of purification. Maintaining Dignity Throughout the process of adapting these rituals, it is crucial to maintain dignity and respect for oneself and the acts of worship. Cleanliness and appropriateness are important, even when modifications are necessary. Conclusion Islam is a religion of mercy and understanding and recognizes the challenges faced by individuals with various physical limitations. The principle of ease in religious practice holds true for people with partial paralysis. It is important to remember what Allah (swt) says in the Quran: Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear... (Quran 2:286) Performing Wudu and Salah to the best of one's ability, following the guidelines provided by qualified Islamic scholars and focusing on sincere intention will allow a person with partial paralysis to reap the numerous spiritual benefits of these acts of worship. We must reject any notions of shame or inadequacy - our disabilities become a means of drawing closer to Allah (swt). References Minhaj al-Muslim by Abu Bakr Jabir al-Jaza'iri. Fiqh us-Sunnah by Sayyid Sabiq Al-Fiqh al-Islami wa Adillatuhu by Wahbah al-Zuhayli