Unsure whether religious duties apply to people with intellectual disabilities? Here’s a clear, compassionate breakdown of rights, responsibilities and what leading scholars say.
Disability is one of the essential social topics addressed by many cultures and religions. In Islam — particularly within Islamic jurisprudence — special attention has been paid to the rights and obligations of people with intellectual disabilities. This article examines the religious duties of people with intellectual disabilities and the challenges and opportunities this group faces. It also looks at how Islamic teachings influence the ways we interact with and support them.
Intellectual disability refers to conditions in which a person has limitations in cognitive, social, and behavioral functioning. These limitations may affect learning, thinking, problem-solving, and social interactions. People with intellectual disabilities typically require special supports because of their particular circumstances.
In Islam, the right to life is one of the most important rights for every person. People with intellectual disabilities also enjoy this right and must not be discriminated against because of their disability. Respect for life and its sanctity is one of the fundamental principles of Islam.
Education and upbringing are other essential rights of people with intellectual disabilities. Islam emphasizes teaching and education under all circumstances, and therefore these individuals should also have access to education. Educational facilities and spaces should be designed so that learning is possible for them.
Participation and active presence in society is an important right for people with intellectual disabilities. Islam stresses solidarity and social support, so conditions should be created that enable these individuals to take part in social and cultural activities.
All Muslims, including people with intellectual disabilities, should gain awareness of religious teachings to the extent of their ability. This duty is especially important in cases where the person has some capacity for comprehension. It is worth noting that where a person has severe cognitive impairment, their religious obligations may be reduced.
Worship is a fundamental part of life for every Muslim. Depending on their circumstances, people with intellectual disabilities should perform acts of worship to the extent they are able. In some cases certain rituals may be easier and others more difficult; Islamic jurisprudence therefore allows flexibility in how these individuals perform worship.
People with intellectual disabilities should follow religious directives to the extent of their ability. This compliance can include daily duties such as prayer, fasting, and zakat. However, it must be recognized that special causes and circumstances affecting them should be taken into account.
Ayatollah Golpayegani: “If the intellectual impairment does not amount to madness (insanity), the religious obligation is not dismissed from them.”Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi: “If [the person] has sufficient discriminating awareness such that they can perform acts of worship, they are required to fulfill religious obligations.”
The question of religious duties for people with intellectual disabilities is complex yet important, and it requires further attention and study. Islam clearly emphasizes the rights and responsibilities of these individuals, and it is necessary for the Muslim community to provide support and education so appropriate conditions are available for them.
Let us remember that people with any kind of disability are capable of understanding and acting on religious teachings to varying degrees, and they should be given equal opportunities. Ultimately, our duty as Muslims is to create an environment that helps these individuals continue their lives within society and advance in faith and practice.
