As-salaamu alaikum. I try to follow the Hanafi school. Due to a medical condition (from a neck injury) I have serious problems with dizziness. I cannot do ruku or sajda, although I can stand and sit and do ruku and sajda by “signs” (nodding my head causes dizziness, but I can make signs with my eyes). Worst of all, reciting Qur’an and saying the other words of the prayer causes tension in my neck and brings on the dizziness. My question: Is it permitted to say the words of the prayer in my mind only? Or what if I just barely move my lips but don’t actually pronounce the words? If not, what should I do? Also, am I obligated to make up prayers that I have missed because of this problem? Thank you for your help.
If a person is unable to make signs with his head, he should not perform
Salaat until he has recovered sufficiently to be able to do so, after which,
he is required to make Qadhaa of the missed Salaats. A person is not
permitted to make signs with his eyes, eyebrows or heart. (Shaami vol.2
pg.100; HM Saeed)
If one is unable to verbally recite, he may recite in his mind. (Ibid vol.2
pg.482)
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.