whether or not a mosque has been built over them, for performing prayer at graves is forbidden. Even if the worshipper intends his prayer for Allah alone, praying at graves is still a means that leads to associationism, for the matter can escalate until people believe the dead possess the power to benefit or harm. That, in the end, becomes outright shirk—may Allah protect us. The Prophet ﷺ therefore came to block every road and every means that lead to shirk and to safeguard the sanctuary of tawḥīd (the oneness of God).

Question: Your Eminence, you have explained that it is unlawful for women to visit graves, but what is the solution regarding the vow made by this woman?

Answer: We have stated that it is impermissible for her to carry out that vow, because visiting graves is forbidden for women and she has therefore vowed to do something unlawful. However, if she offers the expiation for an oath, that would be safer for her. The expiation for an oath is: freeing a slave, should she be able to find one to manumit; or feeding ten needy persons, each needy person receiving half a sāʿ (approximately 1.5 kg/3.3 lbs) of the staple food of the land; or clothing them by giving each needy person a garment that suffices for his prayer—ten garments in all. If she is unable to do any of these—neither manumission, nor feeding, nor clothing—then she must fast for three days.