How Can I Discharge My Religious Duties When Nerve Inflammation Affects My Coordination, Especially During Neurological Tests?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

How Can I Discharge My Religious Duties When Nerve Inflammation Affects My Coordination, Especially During Neurological Tests?

Answer

May Allah give you ease and well-being.

The simple answer is to ensure you get the obligatory (Fard) and Necessary (Wajib) elements of your worship done when things are difficult. That should be your focus. When things are easier you can aim to have all the elements of worship present.

Worship is a blessing – even in difficulties – as it connects us to Allah. This shows us the reality of us being part of Allah’s greater plan, thereby making it easier to trust in Him and face our tests with strength. Therefore, if you struggle to perform all of the elements of wudu, for example, ensure the obligatory elements of wudu are in place. When you feel better, do the sunna aspects of the wudu as well.

Use this approach to all of your worship during the times when your condition makes worship flare up. The prayer and other acts of worship are valid with just the fard and wajib elements in place. [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah]

Explain your issue to Allah – despite Him knowing it – as an act of worship and slavehood, and expect much good from him. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) told us, “…get close, aim right, and be happy!” [Bukhari] Allah knows your test, and there is much good planned for you, insha’Allah.

May Allah facilitate all matters for you.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History, he moved to Damascus in 2007, where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital, and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.