Chapter on Vows
A vow is only valid when made by a legally competent person—that is, one who is an adult of sound mind—even if he is a non-Muslim.
A valid vow falls into five categories:
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The unrestricted vow (muṭlaq). For example, someone says, “I owe Allah a vow,”¹ without specifying anything further. In that case he must offer the expiation for an oath.
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The vow of stubbornness or anger.² This is a vow suspended upon a condition, intended to deter an action, compel it, or affirm or deny a statement. The person may either perform the act or pay the expiation for an oath.³
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The vow concerning something permissible, such as wearing a garment or riding an animal. Its ruling is the same as the second type. If he vows to do something disliked—such as divorcing his wife or the like—it is recommended that he pay the expiation and not carry it out.
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The vow to commit a sin, such as drinking wine⁴ or fasting during menstruation or on the Day of Sacrifice;⁵ he must not fulfill such a vow but must pay the expiation instead.
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The vow of devotion (tabarrur), whether absolute or conditional, such as performing prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, and the like. For instance, if he says, “If Allah cures my sick relative or safeguards my absent property, then I owe Allah such-and-such,” and the condition is met, he must fulfill the vow—unless he has vowed to give all his wealth in charity,