What is the ruling on a vow made by the questioner to his mother to compensate her for what she has given him, knowing that he is unable to fulfill it due to circumstances beyond his control?
If a person vows to compensate his mother for all she has done, this vow cannot be fulfilled, because the mother's right cannot be compensated. If the one making the vow intended to do what he is capable of in terms of righteousness and kindness, then the vow does not become binding for obligations. He is bound by what he can manage of recommended acts, and he should offer expiation for his inability with an expiation for an oath (feeding ten poor persons or clothing them, or freeing a slave; or fasting three days if unable). We advise him to frequently supplicate for his mother and be dutiful to her, and to offer the expiation for an oath as a precaution. As for touch and magic, the best cure is to rely on Allah, and to frequently perform prayers, remembrance (dhikr), supplication (du'a), and legal ruqyah. It is not permissible to accuse anyone of magic without clear evidence.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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