What is the ruling on a woman who vowed not to marry or love anyone other than Allah, and that if she did so, she would be a polytheist (mushrikah), but then she fell in love and got married? Is she considered a polytheist, and must she renew her marriage contract, and what are the consequences for her?

She who vowed that she would be a mushrikah (polytheist) if she married or loved, her vow is forbidden, and she will not become a mushrikah if she marries or loves. This is because she dislikes shirk and intended to prevent herself from marrying. The majority of scholars hold that whoever swears by kufr (disbelief), such as vowing to be a Jew or a Christian if he does such-and-such, does not become a disbeliever by doing the sworn-upon act. Rather, some scholars, like Abu Hanifa and Ahmad, maintain that an expiation for an oath (kaffarat yameen) is obligatory upon him, while others, like Malik and Al-Shafi'i, hold that nothing is incumbent upon him. This is called a vow of lajaj (obstinacy) and anger, and it takes the ruling of an oath, requiring expiation if one breaks it. If she takes precautions and offers two expiations: one for her vow not to marry, and another for her oath that she would be a mushrikah, it is better to clear her conscience. If she limits it to one, we hope that will suffice her.