Expiation for Difficult Vows in Islam

Fulfilling Vows When Circumstances Change

Question: If someone made a vow that if a certain task is accomplished, they will fast for nine consecutive months, give 1000 rupees in charity every month, or pray 100 rak’ahs of nafl prayer daily, etc. The task was accomplished, but fulfilling the vow now seems difficult. What is the solution in Islam for fulfilling such a vow?

Answer:Islam discourages making vows because a person might rely on the vow, while everything is under Allah’s control, and only what He wills happens. Therefore, a Muslim should trust in Allah and, in difficult times, turn to Him through charity, supplication, seeking forgiveness, and good deeds to seek ease. Allah is very kind and merciful to His servants.

Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:

"The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) forbade making vows and said: 'It does not bring about anything; it is only a means of extracting something from a miser.'" (Sahih an-Nasa'i: 3811)

From this hadith, we learn that we should avoid making vows. However, if someone has made a vow and it does not involve disobedience to Allah, then they must fulfill it, and it becomes obligatory. Allah says:

"Then let them complete the rites prescribed for them, fulfill their vows, and circumambulate the Ancient House." (Al-Hajj: 29)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"Whoever makes a vow to obey Allah, let him obey Him; and whoever makes a vow to disobey Allah, let him not disobey Him." (Sahih al-Bukhari: 6696)

If someone is unable to fulfill a vow despite trying or if circumstances make it difficult to fulfill a vow of obedience, they should offer expiation for the vow. The expiation for a vow is the same as the expiation for an oath. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"The expiation for a vow is the same as the expiation for an oath." (Sahih Muslim: 1645)

The expiation for an oath is mentioned in the Quran. Allah says:

“Allah will not impose blame upon you for what is meaningless in your oaths, but He will impose blame upon you for breaking what you intended of oaths. So its expiation is the feeding of ten needy people from the average of that which you feed your own families or clothing them or the freeing of a slave. But whoever cannot find [or afford it] – then a fast of three days [is required]. That is the expiation for oaths when you have sworn. But guard your oaths.” (Al-Ma’idah: 89)

Therefore, for vows that are difficult to fulfill, one should offer the expiation mentioned in the above verse: feeding ten needy people, clothing them, or freeing a slave. If none of these are possible, then fasting for three days.

Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi حفظه الله

❪Jeddah Dawah Center – Al-Salamah – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia