Does the vow formula become binding with the word "lāzim" (necessary/obligatory) as in the saying: "Lāzim (I must) do such-and-such," in permissible worldly matters, even if not accompanied by the intention [of making a vow]? And if the vow does become binding with it, would it be considered a permissible vow for which expiation is allowed? And does the expiation repeat with the repetition of the same act?

The statement of someone saying, "I must do such and such," is not considered a vow (Nathr) if it pertains to permissible everyday matters, for a vow is only valid in acts of worship (Qurbat). Therefore, the questioner's statement: "I must stop a certain habit, or a particular type of thinking," is not considered a vow, because it does not fall under acts of worship.

Scholars differentiate between acts that are exclusively acts of worship, such as prayer, and acts that can be both worship and otherwise, such as slaughtering. If a sick person says: "If I recover, I will slaughter a sheep," nothing is binding upon him. However, if he says: "I owe a sheep which I will slaughter and donate its meat," then it becomes binding upon him, because charity is an act of worship.

Therefore, nothing is binding upon the questioner regarding the examples of vows he mentioned, regardless of the phrasing used.