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Does a vow take effect if a person utters it without intention or purpose, and that was a result of intrusive thoughts or fleeting ideas, even though this contradicts the principle of "Deeds are by intentions"?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

According to the majority of scholars, a vow made in jest is binding if articulated with words that indicate commitment, because it is a pure right owed to Allah Almighty. It has been reported from Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) that "four things are valid in all circumstances: emancipation, divorce, marriage, and vows." Therefore, whoever brings about the cause is bound by its ruling, whether they intended it or not, because jesting and trifling with the rights of Allah Almighty are not permissible.

To overcome obsessive thoughts (waswās), one must ignore this matter. Whoever doubts their vow, it is not binding until certain conviction is achieved. And whoever makes a vow, or takes an oath, or breaks an oath under the influence of obsessive thoughts, their action is not considered valid because they are akin to one who is compelled.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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