To make vows to others besides

Q: My father died in 1400 A.H. and left me a will before his death. He told me that he had made a vow to Shaykh Ahmad Al-Badawy which was three hundred Egyptian pounds. I am confused about this will, so please advise, Your Eminence, may Allah protect you.

A: If the situation is as you have mentioned about the vow, this will is Batil (null and void), as vows should be made to Allah; otherwise they are considered acts of Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship). Thus, it is impermissible for you to fulfill it, according to what was authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him), Whoever vows to be obedient to Allah should do so; and whoever vows to disobey Allah should not do so. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.