What are the consequences for someone who promised or vowed to perform specific acts of worship, such as prayer or seeking forgiveness, during times of crisis, then did not adhere to it, or forgot what he vowed and promised? And what about someone who vowed to pray a prayer of thanks every two days and adhered to it for two years, then stopped due to fatwas stating that this prayer is impermissible and that praise is only through prostration?

A mere promise to oneself or a resolution to perform a certain action is not considered a vow (nadhr). Therefore, it is not obligatory for the accountable person to fulfill it unless it is accompanied by a formulation that indicates a vow, such as saying, "It is incumbent upon me for Allah's sake to do such-and-such."

Indeed, a vow is not established by intention alone; rather, it requires a verbal formulation or what stands in its place, such as writing or a gesture from a mute person. If the accountable person vows an act of obedience to Allah, he is obligated to fulfill it, and it is forbidden for him to default on it. It is not expiated by the expiation of an oath (kaffarat yameen).

If the accountable person makes a vow and then forgets what he vowed, he should strive to remember it. If he cannot remember anything, he must offer the expiation of an oath. If he remembers the type of vow (e.g., prayer or fasting) but forgets its specific nature or number, he must perform the minimum that can be attributed to that vow.