Is a person's statement, "I will give such-and-such from my salary," considered a vow, and is it permissible to retract this intention? And is a teacher's statement, "If I move from Riyadh to Jeddah, I must give a portion of my salary in charity," considered a vow of recompense and obstinacy for which expiation is permissible?

A Muslim's statement, "I will give such and such from my salary," is not a vow unless the person intended it as such, because a vow is established by implication with intention. Mere intention without uttering the words is not considered a vow, but it is preferable to perform the act of obedience one intended. One who doubts whether a vow has been made is not obliged to fulfill it. The word "upon me" (عليَّ) signifies obligation. So, if someone says, "If I move from Riyadh to Jeddah, it is incumbent upon me to donate a portion of my salary," this is a binding vow that must be fulfilled. Some scholars even held that it is obligatory to fulfill it even if it lacks the word "upon me." This type of vow is considered a vow of compensation.