(2). What if a person has a vague idea that he vowed something, but has forgotten what he had vowed (i.e., he must have said, that he would fast for one day if his vow gets fulfilled, or pay $100 in charity, etc.)? (3). Is it a major sin not to fulfill one’s vow? (4). Would a vow have more influence on Allah S.W.T. than regular Du’aa? (5). Does the Ibadat (fast/charity/Nafl/etc) performed in exchange for a vow, qualify for a reward from Allah s.w.t.? The idea is the Ibadat is (a deal) in exchange for a worldly benefit (like health/business gain/safety/etc.) already achieved. Kindly address each of the above 5 points, one by one.
The English word ‘vow’ is a general word which includes Nazr and Yameen as
categorized by the Fuqaha (Jurists).
Nazr is a vow to make a mubaah (permissible act) compulsory upon oneself.
For example to perform Nafl salaah or give charity. Yameen is a vow to
prohibit anything permissible upon oneself.
For example, Rasulallah made haraam (prohibited) upon himself the drinking
of honey water as stated in sura Tahrim Juz 28. The term mannat is the urdu
translation of Nazr. Nazr is of two types, unconditional and conditional. An
example of unconditional Nazr is, to make compulsory upon oneself to give
charity, and an example of conditional Nazr, is to give charity for example
if my father is cured. The conditions for Nazr to be valid are three.
It must not be a prohibited act.
It must not be compulsory in itself for example: to perform fardh salaah
It must be from the Jins (species) of a Fardh act, for example Nafl salaah
is from the Jins of Fardh salaah . Charity is from the Jins of Barkaat.
Rasulullah (S.A.W) said, Nazr does nor change the decree of Allah. It
only serves to, take out the wealth of a Bakheel (misery person). The
purpose of the above refered hadith is to reprimand a miserly person who
never spends voluntarily and unconditionally in the path of Allah. When he
does so, it is for personal interest. Therefore, the above hadith is for
conditional Nazr and for a person who never spends before that. If a person
made a Mannat (Nazr), it is compulsory upon him to fulfill that. If he did
not do so, he will be sinful. In a vow, a person offers a sacrifice which is
a sign of sincerity. It is more than just making a dua. Therefore, Nazr with
Ikhlaas (sincerity) has a potential to invoke the help, mercy, and reward of
Allah Taala.
If a person had a vague idea of his Nazr, he should apply his honest
discretion and follow that. He should also make Istighfaar as it is possible
he may have erred.
We hope the above address all your queries.
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.