Is what I said about fasting Mondays and Thursdays for life, as a token of gratitude to God, considered a vow? And what is incumbent upon me if I am unable to adhere to it?
A vow () is a verbal commitment to perform an act of obedience to Allah, the Almighty, and it is the obligation of a legally competent and willing person to perform an act of worship. Legally, it is a promise of good by undertaking an act of devotion. These definitions indicate that a vow involves undertaking an act of devotion that is not otherwise obligatory. The specific wording used for a vow does not require an intention () due to the strength of its meaning; it is established by its formulation, not by one's mere will. The questioner combining the word "vow" with the intention of "gratitude" does not negate it being a vow, and therefore, he must fulfill his vow. If he is unable to do so, he must offer an expiation for an oath (kaffarat ) to release himself from it.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 50834
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- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy