Is it obligatory to fulfill a vow made to oneself to complete the recitation of the Qur’an ten times monthly for a year, as a punishment for returning to masturbation, knowing that the one who made the vow forgot it at the time of committing the sin, and that the discharged fluid was viscous and scant? And how can it be fulfilled if it is obligatory? What is the ruling on the discharged fluid, and on pledging to God and breaking the pledge?

If the intention behind the vow is to deter oneself, then it is a vow of obstinacy and anger, and its ruling is to choose between fulfilling it or offering expiation. If the vow was made out of forgetfulness, then it is more prudent to offer expiation to avoid disagreement, which is feeding ten poor persons, clothing them, or freeing a slave. Whoever cannot find these should fast for three days.

As for the covenant (mu'ahadah), if it was only in the heart, then nothing is required but repentance. If it was verbal, then it is more prudent to offer expiation along with the obligation of repentance.

Regarding a woman's discharge, if it matches the characteristics of semen, it necessitates ghusl (definition) (ritual bath); otherwise, it does not. If doubt persists about the discharge, many scholars do not consider ghusl obligatory, and the woman has the choice to assign it the ruling of one of the doubtful substances. It is advised to continue striving against oneself to abandon the bad habit.