Question: My mother was ill and passed away two years ago. I therefore vowed that, if Allah granted me of His ample bounty, I would give a sacrificial animal in charity during the month of Ramadan of that same year and dedicate the reward to my mother. I work at a school and receive a monthly salary of 5,000 riyals, but I hand the whole amount over to my husband, who is in need, has a large family, and earns very little. He built us a house and incurred many debts to people, so I support him with my salary. That year I was unable to carry out my vow. Instead, I used to give my sister 1,000 riyals from my salary so that she could give it in charity to the poor, intending that the reward go to my mother. Will this charity suffice for the vow, or must I still give the sacrificial animal I specified, even though the year I appointed for it has passed?

Answer: First, we caution that a Muslim should not make vows, for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “A vow brings no good; it is only extracted from a miser.” A Muslim ought to do good deeds, give charity, and seek closeness to Allah with the means He has made easy, without resorting to vows. However, if a person does make a vow and thereby obligates himself, he must fulfil it—provided it is a vow of obedience. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever vows to obey Allah, let him obey Him.” Allah the Exalted also says: “They fulfil their vows and fear a Day whose evil will be widespread” (al-Insan 76:7), and He says: “Whatever you spend in charity or commit by way of vows—surely Allah knows it” (al-Baqarah 2:270).