In this case, however, he forbade it because it involves imitating the polytheists and is the origin of idol worship. Allah Most High says:

“And they said, ‘Never abandon your gods; never abandon Wadd, Suwā‘, Yaghūth, Ya‘ūq, or Nasr.’”

Several Companions and Successors said: These were the names of righteous men among Noah’s people. When they died, people lingered in devotion at their graves, then made statues of them. For this reason, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, as Mālik reported in al-Muwatta’:

“O Allah, do not let my grave become an idol that is worshipped. Allah’s wrath was severe against people who took the graves of their prophets as places of worship.”

For this reason, the Muslims agree that it is not prescribed to vow offerings of oil, candles, dirhams, or anything else to shrines built over graves, nor to those residing beside them or tending the graves. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, cursed those who build mosques over graves and place lamps upon them. Whoever makes such a vow has vowed to commit a sin. It is reported in the Sahīh that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Whoever vows to obey Allah must obey Him, and whoever vows to disobey Allah must not disobey Him.”

As for expiation, there are two views. According to Ahmad and others, he must offer the expiation required for an oath, because the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“The expiation for a vow is the expiation for an oath.”

Reported by Muslim. It is also reported in the Sunan collections that he, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Whoever vows to obey Allah must obey Him, and whoever vows to disobey Allah must not disobey Him.”

According to Mālik, al-Shāfi‘ī, and others, nothing is required of him. However, if he gives in charity what he vowed