Inability to fulfil one’s vow due to financial constraints

10 Aug 2022 · 12 Muharram 1444 AH1 min readEnglish

Question

About 15 years ago, my son took a vow when he commenced work that he will give R4000 in Sadaqah every month. However, he was unable to give out the stipulated amount after some time.

Answer

We understand from your query that he took a vow of giving R4000.00 Sadaqah on a monthly basis but he was unable to fulfill his vow for whatever reason. He will now have to discharge the Kaffarah for not fulfilling his vow. The Kaffarah for not fulfilling one’s oath is freeing a slave (which is not applicable in this day and age due to slavery being abolished), or feeding 10 poor people, or clothing 10 poor people. If he is unable to do any of the above, then he will be required to fast three days consecutively.

References (Arabic / Urdu sources)

وإذا حنث يعني في الأيمان المستقبلة فعليه الكفارة لقوله تعالى: {ولكن يؤاخذكم بما عقدتم الأيمان} [المائدة: 89]

قال: إن شاء أعتق رقبة، وإن شاء أطعم عشرة مساكين أو كساهم، فإن لم يجد صام ثلاثة أيام متتابعات ، قال تعالى: فكفارته إطعام عشرة مساكين من أوسط ما تطعمون أهليكم أو كسوتهم أو تحرير رقبة [المائدة: 89] خير فيكون الواجب أحدها، ثم قال: {فمن لم يجد فصيام ثلاثة أيام} [المائدة: 89] (الاختيار لتعليل المختار ص48 ج4)

Answered by: Mufti Mohammed Desai

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