Do mentally handicapped people pray?

Question

I am so sorry if this seems an ignorant question to ask, so please don't instantly flame me, but I really am curious. I have no first-hand experience dealing with mentally handicapped/mentally retarded people, so I would really appreciate answers from someone who does (of course if anyone happens to know the answer without exp, please post!). I was curious if they are taught about religion (God, Jesus, Mohammed, others, etc.)? Thank you very much.

Answer 1

My brother is mentally retarded because my mother had placenta previa when she carried him and lost so much blood. I know that he prays and loves the Lord. Most retarded and mentally handicapped people are humble in spirit. Such humble people are dear to the Lord. He hates a haughty proud spirit because he cannot mold that individual. My brother talks to the Lord as if He is sitting one chair down in person. Yes, they do pray and praise the Lord! God bless you.

Answer 2

I use to work in a group home with these types of people and yes, some of them pray that have the ability to. They are taught as their family's wish. Also ones that have no family are offered to go to a church of their choice. These are the ones who are mentally ill, or partially retarded and can understand. The ones who are severely retarded do not go to church unless family takes them, as they cannot even talk, let alone understand what church even is. However, they are the lucky ones, because they go to Heaven automatically due to the fact that they are the way they are. They don't put the mentally ill with the mentally retarded, as these are two different illnesses. The mentally ill can talk and understand, as they usually have illnesses such as bipolar, schizophrenia, and anxiety types of illness. The mentally retarded do not have illness, but are born with genetic disorders that makes their brains not mature. I hope this has helped you.

Answer 3

My brother was mentally handicapped (retarded--I hate that term!!). He died 1 year ago and he actually was the only person I ever knew who read the entire Bible - word for word - and understood it, Yes "they" are taught many things, maybe depending upon surroundings. My brother lived at home (despite attempts to "place him") with his family. He was probably the most spiritual person I've ever known, he prayed daily and only because of him do I have any belief in a higher being!

Answer 4

I have a cousin who has Sturge-Weber Syndrome and a nephew who is autistic. Both pray.

I suppose a lot depends on how the individual is brought up. When parents teach their mentally challenged children about God, these children will pray when they grow up.

My nephew is so conscious of prayer times. Sometimes he tells me that he wants to go to the mosque with my husband. And he is so well behaved when he is there. He knows the 99 names of Allah by heart, with the help of Allah and his dedicated teacher.
My cousin knows that he must dress appropriately when going to mosque and he even tells his mother to give charity out of his personal money.

I cannot help but feel that mentally challenged people are lucky because in spite of suffering in this world, there will be no accountability on the Day of Judgment for them.
And Allah knows best.

Answer 5

They can if and if and only if they can.
If and again IF they can not God Almighty is The most mercifull and will not question menally handicaped person about worship.
God Almighty will only question from who has ability to decide what they want, and what is in there controle.
If handicapped persone has no controle over his or her thinking and thoughts, they will get by pass from this process. God Almighty knows best.

That’s why in Islam Alcoholic Drinking is forbidden because that makes a perfect man handicapped, and that is not allowed.

Answer 6

They won't because they have no knowledge of good or evil. And you would go to hell if you don't believe in God because Christians go to heaven because our sins have been forgiven (by Jesus, all you even need to do is ask, and believe that he was the son of God) which means all our sins have been paid. But even if you lead a good life and help others out, you've still sinned in your life. It's impossible not to sin in your life (unless you're mentally handicapped or unborn), so... Yeah, you'd go to hell because even if you only sinned once in your life, that sin still isn't paid.

Answer 7

Dear people.
People have asked me what can be done about helping the handicapped
and if there is an office I coud work in to help the handicapped. I am
looking for a way to help the handicapped.
, paul carey wrote:
Dear people.
Could you please direct me to information on the rules and process
for becoming a candidate for a town office. Thank you, Paul Carey

Answer 8

I have seen some handicap peoples, the ones who were handicap by birth don't pray most oftenly because they don't get the teacings well and don't understand it well , but some of them do pray just by copping others ! See there are different levels of mental illness !! like Downs do understand many things but kids with cerebral palsy especialy caused because of birth Asphaxia can't get the things well !!

Answer 9

It's a very good question. If so, one wonders if God gets as much of a warm, fuzzy godlike feeling if the worshiper doesn't really understand what he or she is doing. And, then, what about small children?

God is an egomaniac, after all.

Answer 10

Only mentally handicapped people pray.