Firstly, illness, no matter how serious is not an excuse to stop praying as long as the sick person is conscious and alert. Prayer is the most important pillar of Islam after the twin testament (shahadah). The obligation of prayer must be discharged whether a person is healthy or sick.
If a person is unable to do wudoo’, he should do tayammum (“dry ablution”). If he is unable to do tayammum or to remove any impurity, he should pray as he is, because Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning): “So fear Allah as much as you are able” (Qur’an, at-Taghaabun 64:16).
Also bear in mind, If it is too difficult for the sick person to do wudoo’ or tayammum himself, someone else should do wudoo’ or tayammum for him, and that is acceptable. If there’s no one to do wudoo or tayammum for him, he should pray as he is.
[at-Tahaarah wa’s-Salaah li Ahl al-A‘dhaar by Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him)].
And Allaah knows best.
22 Jumada Ula, 1442 AH.
