Question: Allah has blessed me, and three years ago I purchased a plot of land for two thousand pounds with the intention of building a house on it. After completing the purchase and sensing Allah’s favour upon me, I vowed that when I built the house I would turn the entire ground floor into a mosque and keep the living quarters on the upper floor. I announced in front of my relatives and friends, “I have made this vow.” I have since discovered that my financial means do not allow me to build, given the high cost of construction, and in the coming months I plan—Allah willing—to sell this land. Please advise me: what should I do about this vow? If I sell the plot, is the vow nullified, or must I do something in its place? Secondly, with regard to zakah on this property, do I pay zakah on the price for which I bought it, counting from the date of purchase, or on the price for which it will be sold? Kindly guide me, and may Allah reward you with every good.

Answer: From your question it appears that you wish to build on this land, dedicating the ground floor as a mosque, and that you made this vow as an expression of gratitude to Allah for having enabled you to acquire the land. At present you are unable to build and you ask whether it is permissible to sell it.

No, it is not permissible for you to sell it. You have vowed to turn the ground floor into a mosque and to make the upper floor a residence. Since you are presently unable to build, you must wait until Allah—exalted be He—facilitates the construction and you can carry out what you vowed. You have not yet despaired of your ability to build and fulfil the vow you undertook.