What is the jurisprudential stance regarding a father who prevents his son from praying in the mosque and from growing a beard, and who constantly commits polytheistic acts such as offering sacrifices, making vows, and seeking help from other than Allah, and claims that he treats people by visiting shrines? And how should the mother and son deal with him? And is it permissible to pray behind him and eat from his slaughtered animal?

The father's right to dutifulness and the prohibition of cutting ties with him or harming him does not cease, no matter how bad his character becomes or how much he oppresses, based on the Almighty's saying: "{And accompany them in the world with kindness}." The son must continue to advise his father gently and supplicate for his guidance. As for the mother, she must live with him kindly and gently advise him, but if he does not change and continues to harm her, she has the right to seek divorce.

Regarding praying behind the father and consuming his slaughtered meat, the basic principle is that both are valid, unless he has been shown the truth and insists on polytheistic acts. In this case, praying behind him is not valid, and his slaughtered meat is not lawful. Furthermore, a separation must occur between him and his wife. One can avoid praying behind him and eating his slaughtered meat without informing him if doing so would lead to harm. The questioner is advised to fortify himself with faith and beneficial knowledge and to associate with righteous people, perhaps Allah will make him a cause for his father's guidance.