doing so, because the Sacred Mosque is superior to the Prophet’s Mosque. If someone names one of these three mosques in a vow but then fulfils it in a mosque that is even more virtuous, there is no harm in that. The proof is the ḥadīth of Jābir (may Allah be pleased with him): “A man asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) on the day Makkah was conquered, saying, ‘O Messenger of Allah, I vowed that if Allah granted you victory over Makkah I would pray in al-Aqsa Mosque.’ The Prophet replied, ‘Pray here.’ The man repeated his request, and the Prophet said, ‘Pray here.’ He asked yet again, and the Prophet said, ‘Pray here.’ When he persisted, the Prophet finally said, ‘Then do as you wish.’” Narrated by Abū Dāwūd. Thus the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) directed him to pray in the Sacred Mosque instead of al-Aqsa, because the Sacred Mosque is better than al-Aqsa. Accordingly, the woman who vowed to pray in the Prophet’s Mosque may fulfil her vow by praying in the Sacred Mosque, for it is more excellent than the Prophet’s Mosque. Allah knows best.

Question: What is meant by her words “seven days and their nights”?

Answer: It means staying in devotional seclusion (iʿtikāf) for seven full days and nights. If her intention was merely to perform the prayers, then it refers to the five obligatory prayers. But if she intended to remain in the Prophet’s Mosque for seven days and nights praying, that is iʿtikāf, and if she is able to do so it becomes obligatory for her.

***

Question: One day while I was working with my colleagues I told them, “If my daughter passes her exams I will slaughter a calf for you.” I then moved from that city to another far-away place, and my daughter did pass — praise be to Allah. What should I do about this vow; is it