severe punishment for the perpetrator, sufficient to deter him from such corruption, especially if they involve the children in acts of indecency and other wrongdoing. Muslim children must be taught what Allah has commanded them to be taught and raised in obedience to Allah and His Messenger. As the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Command them to pray at seven, strike them for neglecting it at ten, and separate their sleeping places.”

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As for “vows to the dead”—whether prophets, shaykhs, or others—or to their graves or those residing at their graves, such vows constitute polytheism and disobedience to Allah Most High, whether what is vowed is financial support, gold, or anything else. This resembles making vows to churches, monks, and temples of idols.

It is established in the Sahīh that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

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

The scholars agree that a vow to commit disobedience must not be fulfilled. Rather, according to one of the two scholarly opinions, the person who made it must offer the expiation for an oath. This applies when the vow is made to Allah. If, however, the vow is made to someone other than Allah, it is like swearing by someone other than Allah, and this is polytheism. The person must therefore seek Allah’s forgiveness for it; such a vow must not be fulfilled, and no expiation is due. Whoever gives money in charity to the poor and devout will have his reward with the Lord of the worlds.