# Impiety and Blasphemy in Vathek

> Theme guide for Vathek by William Beckford.

Vathek engages in theological controversy with the orthodox, persecutes zealots, and is described by Muhammad as irreligious; his profane acts, like defiling a mosque, provoke divine punishment.

## Where it surfaces

- [Vathek](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/chapters/vathek): Vathek neglects his duties and engages in theological controversy with non-orthodox figures, showing disregard for religious norms.
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/chapters/endnotes): The note on Vathek's profanation of ablution and prayer highlights his impiety.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/themes/impiety_and_blasphemy
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/themes