Is A Person Held Responsible For His Her Spouse Who Does Not Perform Prayers?

Is a person held responsible for his/her spouse who does not perform prayers?

According to Islam, every individual is responsible for their own deeds. We are not responsible for the deeds of others. It is stated in the Holy Qur’an, “And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. And if a heavily laden soul calls [another] to [carry some of] its load, nothing of it will be carried, even if he should be a close relative.” (Fatir, 35/18). Islam informs us that every human has a will and freedom of choice and, as a result of it, they will be responsible for their deeds as stated in the following verses: “Every person, for what he earned, is retained.” (Tur, 52/21); “So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.” (Zalzalah, 99/7-8); “He cannot be questioned for His acts, but they will be questioned (for theirs).” (Anbiya, 21/23)

If a Muslim does not perform his/her worships, s/he will account for it to Allah (swt). What falls upon other Muslims is to give advises and suggestions (amr bil-ma’ruf, i.e. enjoining the good) to him/her. A person should start enjoining the good from the closest relatives, starting from his/her family. Because the Prophet Muhammad (saw) was commanded like this as well. The Almighty Allah stated while commanding him to notify people, “And admonish thy nearest kinsmen.” (Shu’ara, 26/214). It is stated in a hadith that every Muslim is responsible for his dependents (Bukhari, Jumu’ah,11; Muslim, Imara, 20). Spouses have responsibilities towards each other and their children in spiritual issues as in material issues. This responsibility is to teach the requirements of religion and to give recommendation to perform them . Because Allah the Exalted commanded by addressing the Prophet (saw), “And enjoin prayer upon your family [and people] and be steadfast therein. We ask you not for provision; We provide for you, and the [best] outcome is for [those of] righteousness.” (Ta-Ha, 20/132)

With this respect, a person should explain the spiritual and material blessings and merits of prayers nicely to his/her spouse who does not establish prayer so that s/he establishes daily prayers on their times, should invite him/her to repent of his/her past negligence and try to convince her/him to establish prayers. If s/he does not establish prayer despite the recommendations given nicely, it is completely under the person’s own responsibility.

Source: Presidency Of Religious Affairs The Turkey, High Board of Religious Affairs FATWA