Q: I have a deaf-mute brother. He does not know anything about Salah (Prayer), Sawm (Fast), Zakah (obligatory charity), or the teachings of Islam and the Qur'an. What should be done in this case?
A: The deaf-mute should be taught by means of sign language, if they are endowed with eyesight. Indeed, they are to be taught how to pray by letting their guardian or anyone offer Salah in front of them and then ask them to do the same. Assuming the deaf-mute is of sound mind, he can be informed about the times of prayers in the way they understand best, or can be taught each prayer at its due time. Moreover, if the deaf-mute knows how to read, you can write to him about the Islamic `Aqidah (creed) and the pillars of Islam, explaining the meaning of the two Testimonies of Faith. This method of writing can be used to explain the rest of Shari`ah rulings.
Some details related to Salah must be explained to the deaf-mute, such as the rulings on Wudu' (ablution), Ghusl (ritual bath following major impurity), times of prayer, pillars of Islam, obligations and supererogatory acts of Salah, Sunnah Ratibah (supererogatory Prayer performed on a regular basis), Salat-ul-Duha (supererogatory Prayer after sunrise), Witr (Prayer with an odd number of units) and other rulings necessary for them to know. May this technique of writing be useful!
Once the deaf-mute is taught in any suitable way, and they have attained puberty, they become Mukallaf (person meeting the conditions to be held legally accountable for their actions) and they are bound by the rulings of Mukallaf. However, if the deaf-mute does not understand, there is no harm on them, as in this case they are not considered to be Mukallaf. It is confirmed in a Hadith Sahih (authentic) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, There are three (persons) who are not accountable for their actions: a boy/girl till he/she reaches puberty, a mad person till they come back to reason and a sleeping person until they awake.