Nervous Disorders
Question:
A person I know is afflicted with a nervous disorder, one docter described as being chronic. His illness has caused him many problems: He shouts at his parents, he is not on speaking terms with his relatives, and he is constantly anxious, nervous, and afraid. Is this person excused because of his illness both for his actions and for compulsory deeds such as the prayer and the fast? What advice would you give to such a person?
Answer:
As long as he is sane, he is not exempted from any Shari'ah ruling. But if he loses his mind or actions, then in that case, he is excused. I advise him to supplicate to Allaah Almighty frequently, seek His forgivness, and to seek refuge in Him from the accursed Shaytaan - thus if he becomes angry, perhaps Allaah will remove his anger from him.
Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih al-`Uthaymeen
Fataawa Islamiyah, vol. 8, p308
