or charity; in that case he may either carry out the vow or pay the expiation for a broken oath.

Third: a vow concerning something merely permissible, such as saying, “I owe Allah to put on my garment,” or “to ride my mount.” Here too he may choose between fulfilling it or giving the expiation.

Fourth: a vow to do something disliked, such as pronouncing a divorce. It is recommended that he expiate and not perform the act.

Fifth: a vow to commit a sin1, such as drinking wine2 or fasting on the day of Eid3. Fulfilling it4 is unlawful; he must give the expiation and then make up the fast.

Sixth: a commendable vow, such as undertaking to perform prayer, to fast—even when the fast itself is already obligatory—to practice spiritual retreat, to give charity, or to perform Hajj or ʿUmrah, with the intention of drawing closer to Allah; or a vow that is linked to the attainment of a blessing or the removal of harm, as in saying, “If Allah heals my sick relative or protects my wealth, then I shall do such-and-such.” This type of vow must be fulfilled.

Section

Whoever vows to fast a specified month is required to fast it consecutively. Should he break the fast without a legitimate excuse, that is forbidden, and he must recommence the entire month while also paying the expiation for a broken oath because the appointed time has lapsed. If he breaks it for a valid excuse, he resumes once the excuse is gone and must still expiate for interrupting the continuity.

If he vows an unspecified month, or vows to fast consecutively without fixing a particular time, consecutive fasting is nevertheless obligatory.