Does obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affect the ruling on vows, and is money vowed but not fulfilled considered unlawful wealth?
No consideration is given to doubt concerning the occurrence of a vow (nadhr). Whoever is certain that a vow was made is obligated to fulfill it, even if they suffer from obsessive thoughts (waswas). Whoever vows a specific thing, such as a salary, is not permitted to benefit from it because it has become the property of the promised entity. As for one who vows all their wealth, some scholars say that expending a third of it suffices, while others say that fulfilling the vow with all their wealth is obligatory. Expiation (kaffara) does not suffice for fulfilling a vow except in cases of permanent inability, or if the vow was a vow of obstinacy/anger (nadhr lajaj), in which case one has the choice between fulfilling it or offering expiation.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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