Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh has called on believers of Almighty Allah for the help of people with disabilities.
At Imam Turki Mosque in Riyadh, the chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars said Muslims have a duty to respect and be kind to people with disabilities. He said Islam also warns against “despising and depreciating them.”
Al-Asheikh said Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had instructed imams to “keep prayers short because many sick and disabled find it difficult to manage the long prayers”.
“The Companions of the Prophet (pbuh) used to take excellent care of people with special needs, hoping that with such virtuous deeds, they will get close to Almighty Allah.”
“The earlier generations of believers followed the same path of the Companions, not just because it is a human right but as a form of worship and obedience to the Almighty,” Al-Asheikh said.
Muslims should be at the forefront of those who are kind and respectful to people with disabilities, the grand mufti said. He also called on the guardians, relatives, friends and colleagues of those with disabilities to be polite to them, and he said “be thankful to Almighty Allah as you are born with no disabilities in you”.
He said believers of Almighty Allah, must also assist them to develop their talents so that they do not feel repugnance.
He also urged people with disabilities to work hard and don’t get discourage about their physical limitations.