nor for an angel, a prophet, or a righteous person, nor for the grave of a prophet or a righteous person. This holds true in all the religions of the prophets. It is also stated in our revealed law, which goes so far as to prohibit even voluntary acts of this kind performed to greet or honour created beings. Thus, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, forbade Mu‘ādh to prostrate before him. He said:
“Were I to command anyone to prostrate before another, I would command a wife to prostrate before her husband, because of the greatness of his right over her.”
He also forbade bowing in greeting and forbade them to stand behind him in prayer while he was seated.
Likewise, zakāh—both in its general sense, encompassing all charitable giving, and in its specific sense—must be given only for Allah. As He, Most High, said:
“He owes no one a favour that must be repaid,”
“But seeks only the Face of his Lord, the Most High.”
And He said:
“We feed you only for the Face of Allah.”
And He said:
“And the likeness of those who spend their wealth seeking Allah’s pleasure and out of firm conviction within themselves.”
And He said:
“But whatever you give in charity, seeking Allah’s Face—those who do so are the ones whose reward is multiplied.”
It is therefore impermissible to do this as a religious act for an angel, the sun, the moon, a prophet, or a righteous person, as some beggars and those who venerate such figures do in honour of so-and-so. They swear by various figures—prophets, Companions, or righteous people—naming, for example, Bakr, ‘Alī, Nūr al-Dīn Arslān, Shaykh ‘Adī, and Shaykh Jālīd.
Likewise, pilgrimage is made only to Allah’s House: only it is circumambulated, only there is the head shaved, and only in its environs is the standing rite performed. These acts are not performed for a prophet or a righteous person, at the grave of a prophet or a righteous person, or at an idol.
Likewise, fasting as an act of worship is only for Allah. One must not fast for the stars, the sun, the moon, the graves of prophets and righteous people, or anything of that kind.