Is it permissible to give the money from a vow (nadhr) to a friend's unemployed sister to buy a sewing machine?
If you vow a charity for the poor, it must be given to the poor and needy, and it is not permissible to give it to others, provided that the woman mentioned is poor, does not find what suffices her basic needs, and is not self-sufficient through the spending of a husband or relative. However, if the vow is for a specific person or entity, it must be spent in the manner designated for it, even if that person is rich. This is based on the saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "If you are given something you did not ask for, eat it and give charity with it." And regarding vows, he said: "Whoever vows to obey Allah, let him obey Him; and whoever vows to disobey Allah, let him not disobey Him."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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