Can one go back on a vow made to a mother to quit smoking by asking her permission, and is breaking a vow made to a human less punishable than breaking a vow made to God?
The texts of Islamic law indicate the obligation to fulfill covenants and the prohibition of breaking them. Your covenant with your mother to quit smoking is affirmed by three rights: the right of Allah, the right of the creature, and the right of the mother in filial piety. Therefore, it is not permissible to break it or to violate it. It is not permissible to seek permission from your mother to smoke, nor is it permissible for her to grant permission, because smoking is forbidden. The covenant related to the right of Allah cannot be waived, and it is not permissible for you to seek your mother's permission to return to smoking, nor is it permissible for her to permit you; because quitting smoking is an obligation due to the right of Allah Almighty, and you have affirmed that right with your covenant to your mother. Therefore, it is not permissible for you to break this covenant, nor is it permissible for her to agree to your return to disobedience.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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