A Christian embraced Islam and married a Muslim woman, however he does not perform prayers or observe fasting under the pretext of having diabetes. He does not perform any of the basic acts of worship of Islam; moreover his wife does not regularly perform her prayers or wear the Hijaab. What is the ruling in Islam about dealing with them?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and messenger.

Diabetes does not prevent man from performing his prayer, though it may prevent him from fasting. If he does break his fast (during Ramadan), then he must to feed a needy person for each day he does not fast, as we stated in Fatwa 88830.

It must be noted that this person is obliged to perform his prayers. Similarly, he must pay the Zakah (obligatory almsgiving) in case he possesses wealth on which Zakah is due. He should do the same with all obligatory acts. Were he to observe that and do what Allaah commanded, particularly performing his prayers, it would be fine; otherwise, he will be considered an apostate. Please refer to Fatwa 87509 for more details.

However, it is a great danger if his wife does not perform her prayers regularly or wear her Hijab. Some scholars hold the opinion that whoever deliberately abandons even one prayer will be considered a disbeliever.

Anyhow, you must advise the couple and convey these rulings to them using every possible and proper means. You may also seek the help of people who can influence them and persuade them to change.

Additionally, you have to deal with them in the manner that helps achieve the sought objective of guiding them. In other words, do not shun them if being close and kind to them, as well as admonishing and advising them, will have a good impact on them and lead them to repent.

On the other hand, must shun them and desert them if by doing so you can drive them to repent and abide by the rulings of Allaah. For further details, please review Fataawa 85097and 84390.