Q: I made a vow to offer a sacrificial animal to Shaykh `Abdul-Rahim Al-Qinawy, but a righteous friend of mine met me and told me that it is not permissible for me to do so, as such a practice is regarded as Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship). I therefore decided not to do anything until I receive a Fatwa on this subject from Your Eminence. It is worth mentioning that my sons sold the animal I made a vow to slaughter, but its price is still with me. We would be grateful if you could tell us whether offering sacrificial animals to such dead shaykhs is Haram (prohibited) or not? If such a practice is Haram, what should we do with regard to the vow? We would be grateful if you answer us as soon as possible.

A: It is Haram to offer a sacrificial animal to the dead shaykh whose name is mentioned above or to any other shaykhs. Offering sacrificial animals is an act of `Ibadah (worship) through which a Muslim can approach their Lord; offering them to other than Allah is regarded as major Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship that takes the Muslim out of Islam). Allah (Exalted be He) says: Therefore turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him only). And: Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Verily, my Salât (prayer), my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allâh, the Lord of the ‘Alamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists). He has no partner. It was authentically reported from `Aly (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The one who sacrifices to other than Allah is accursed. Accordingly, you should turn to Allah with sincere repentance, seek Allah's Forgiveness, not fulfill such a vow and, instead, give the price of the sacrificial animal to the poor Muslims from among your relatives or other people. (Part No. 1; Page No. 55) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions.