Furthermore, if the administrator reduces the stipends specified for them in the endowment deed, may their stipulated duties be reduced accordingly? Does this apply whether the reduction is due to necessity, the administrator’s judgment, or a decision made without such judgment? May our master provide a satisfying and comprehensive answer supported by evidence, clearing every difficulty from our hearts. May he be rewarded for doing so.

He replied:

Praise be to Allah, Lord of all worlds. The fundamental principle governing this matter—endowments for those who perform deeds intended to draw one closer to Allah Most High, bequests to them, and vows in their favour—is that those deeds must be acts of obedience loved by Allah and His Messenger. If they are prohibited deeds, it is impermissible to establish an endowment for them or to stipulate their performance as a condition of an endowment, by the consensus of the Muslims. The same applies to vows and similar matters. This principle concerning endowments, vows, and the like is agreed upon among Muslims; there is no disagreement whatsoever among the scholars about it.

Among its foundations is the report recorded by al-Bukhārī in his Sahīh from ‘Ā’ishah—may Allah be pleased with her—who said that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Whoever vows to obey Allah, let him obey Him; and whoever vows to disobey Allah, let him not disobey Him.”

Another of its foundations is the report recorded by al-Bukhārī and Muslim in their two Sahīh collections, also from ‘Ā’ishah:

“The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, addressed the people from the pulpit when Barīrah’s owners wished to