Question:
I do not know how to recite the Qur’an. I am 42 years old, and I am worried because I do not know how to perform prayer properly. If I stand and pray with the congregation, will Allahﷻ accept it? I only know Surah Al-Hamdu (Al-Fatihah). Even in Sunnah prayers, I recite only Surah Al-Hamdu and pray. Will Allahﷻ accept this prayer? Please explain.
Answer:
Regarding this matter, since he knows Surah Al-Hamdu, that is sufficient. Everything else in prayer is Sunnah matters. Reciting Surah Al-Hamdu is the essential obligation. The Messengerﷺ of Allahﷻ said that there is no prayer for the one who does not recite Surah Al-Fatihah. So, since you know Surah Al-Hamdu, that is enough. Even if you do not know other surahs, recite Surah Al-Hamdu in all four rak‘ahs. Recite it in Sunnah prayers as well. Even if you do not know anything else, there will be no harm or deficiency in your prayer.
Once, a person came and asked the Messengerﷺ of Allahﷻ, “O Messengerﷺ of Allahﷻ, I do not know anything. I do not know how to recite anything from the Qur’an.” The Messengerﷺ of Allahﷻ told him that saying “SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar” is sufficient until he learns. There is a concession in Islam for those who are unable.
So since you know Surah Al-Hamdu, even if you do not learn other surahs, and even if you feel you are too old to learn, you can recite Surah Al-Hamdu in all rak‘ahs, both Sunnah and Fard prayers. That alone is sufficient to make the prayer valid.
Also, if you do not know At-Tashahhud and other recitations, the Messengerﷺ of Allahﷻ said that saying “SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar” is sufficient. You can say that everywhere in prayer.
However, if you put in a little effort, you can memorize more. You said you are 42 years old. That is still an age suitable for learning. Many companions accepted Islam after the age of 42. The Messengerﷺ of Allahﷻ himself became a Prophetﷺ at the age of 40. Age 40 is not an age of weakness; it is an age of full maturity and strength.
So do not think you are too old. If you decide at 42, you can memorize surahs easily with some effort and time. There is no need to worry.