Praying Does Not Depend on Anyone’s Say-So

Question

A scholar said to a man, “You will have to pray and fast,” to which he replied, “If I feel like it I’ll do it; why should I have to do it on your say-so?” What is the fatwa on such a person?

Answer

Everyone is bound to obey God’s command; it does not depend on anyone’s wish. Such an answer should not be given.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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