How Should I Deal with My Father Who Has Become Negligent in His Prayers?

Do not make your conversations with him always take the form of reproach and accountability. Rather, remind him gently of his good past, his pursuit of knowledge, and his eagerness for the Sunnah. You may say, for example: "My father, we used to be happy seeing you teach us the importance of maintaining the prayer. You are still our role model, and I hope to see you as you once were." Such speech is more likely to have an effect than harsh criticism. Among the beneficial means are: Accompanying him to the mosque when a suitable opportunity arises. Giving him a beneficial book or an impactful lecture about prayer. Reminding him about meeting Allah and the Hereafter. Reviving an atmosphere of obedience and worship within the home. Frequently making supplication for him in private. Second: Should You Continue Waking Him for Fajr? Yes, but with gentleness and without argumentation. If he sometimes accepts and goes with you to the mosque, then this is good and a sign that his heart has not become closed. Wake him from time to time in a gentle manner. If he responds, then all praise is due to Allah. If he declines, do not enter into disputes that may lead to resentment and alienation. Third: What Is the Best Supplication to Make for Him? It is permissible to supplicate for his guidance, steadfastness, repentance, mercy, and forgiveness. Among the beneficial supplications are: O Allah, guide my father to the best of deeds and statements, and keep him firm upon the straight path. O Allah, make prayer and faith beloved to him, and make negligence and disobedience hateful to him. O Allah, open his heart and aid him in remembering You, thanking You, and worshipping You properly. O Allah, forgive my father, have mercy upon him, accept his repentance, and return him to You in a beautiful manner. Our Lord, forgive me and my parents, and have mercy upon them as they raised me when I was small. Fourth: Is It Permissible to Supplicate for Mercy Upon Him? Yes. Rather, this is among the greatest forms of dutifulness toward one's parents. As long as he is outwardly a Muslim, it is permissible to supplicate for him for mercy, forgiveness, and guidance altogether.

Fifth: What Is the Ruling on Praying Behind Him if He Leads the People? This issue depends upon his condition. If he: Acknowledges that prayer is obligatory. Prays at times. Admits his shortcomings. Has not abandoned prayer altogether. Then the basic principle is that he remains a Muslim, and prayer behind him is valid. However, if it were established that he had abandoned prayer entirely, such that he performs no obligatory prayer, Jumu'ah prayer, or congregational prayer at all, then this is a different issue concerning which there is a well-known difference of opinion among the scholars. The stronger position according to many of the Salaf and the scholars of hadith, and it is the madhhab of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (may Allah have mercy on him), is that the one who abandons prayer completely is guilty of major disbelief. However, the description mentioned in the question does not indicate this situation, because he still prays at times, fasts, admits his shortcomings, and sometimes goes to the mosque when invited. Rather, he has fallen into a major sin due to his negligence regarding prayer and his abandonment of congregational prayer. He should be advised and supplicated for regarding guidance and repentance. Conclusion: It is obligatory upon you to be dutiful to your father, continue advising him with wisdom and gentleness, and frequently supplicate for his guidance, repentance, mercy, and forgiveness. Do not despair of his rectification, for many people return to steadfastness after years of weakness and spiritual decline. As long as your father acknowledges that prayer is obligatory and still prays at times, then the basic principle is that he remains a Muslim. It is permissible to pray behind him if he leads the people in prayer, although it is preferable for someone who is more diligent in maintaining the prayer and more upright in conduct to lead the congregation.