a vow. If someone vows to pray and observe a devotional retreat in a particular spot in the mosque, that spot does not become binding upon him; according to the scholars generally, he may pray and observe his retreat anywhere else in the mosque. But must he offer expiation for breaking an oath? There are two views within Ahmad’s school. The other three imams do not require expiation.

This is because a vow makes obligatory only something that would constitute obedience even without the vow. A vow does not turn something that is not worship into worship. The person making the vow is obliged to dedicate only what constitutes obedience to Allah, as the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Whoever vows to obey Allah, let him obey Him; and whoever vows to disobey Allah, let him not disobey Him.”

Thus, if someone vows to do something forbidden or disliked, or something permissible that is neither preferable to perform nor to omit, he is not obliged to fulfil that vow. There are two opinions concerning expiation: Ahmad requires it according to the well-known position reported from him, whereas the other three imams do not.

The same applies to conditions stipulated by the founder of an endowment, a seller or anyone else. As the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“What is the matter with men who stipulate conditions that are not in Allah’s Book? Whoever stipulates a condition that is not in Allah’s Book, it is invalid, even if there are a hundred conditions. Allah’s Book has greater authority, and Allah’s condition is more binding.”

All of this is so