What is the definition of promise in Islam? Consider two examples. 1.My wife asked me when I am going to finish my Ph.D.I told her Insya Allah by end of 2001.When I have not finished by then,she says I have broken my promise.I told her that she cannot consider it as a promise as it is only my target/estimation.But she insists that I have broken a promise.Is she right? 2.I have told my son he can play the computer with certain conditions.However later on, I feel I need to change/put another condition.My son argued that I cannot do that as I will be breaking my previous promise .Unless he agrees to the change.Is he right? Jazakallahu khairan kathira.
1. No, she is not right. When you told her Insha Allah, this further
indicates that it was not a promise but rather a target.
2. This is also not a promise. You have the right to add on conditions as
this falls under disciplinary rules.
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Muhammad Kadwa
FATWA DEPT.
CHECKED AND APPROVED: Mufti Ebrahim Desai