✦ Detailed Explanation of Ḥadīth and Sharʿi Ruling on Vows (Nadhr) ✦
Source: Fatāwā ʿIlmiyyah, Vol. 1 – Kitāb al-ʿAqāʾid, p. 185
The ḥadīth explains that vowing (nadhr) does not alter divine decree (taqdīr), but it does lead a stingy person to spend in charity—something he would not have done otherwise.
Narrated by Abū Hurayrah رضي الله عنه, the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Vowing does not bring to the son of Ādam anything which was not already decreed for him. However, the vow draws him toward that which had already been decreed for him. Through the vow, Allah extracts wealth from a stingy person—he ends up giving in charity what he would not have given before."
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 6694, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 1640)
✔ People usually avoid spending in the path of Allah, but when afflicted with hardship, they begin to make vows and pledges.
✔ The Prophet ﷺ made it clear that vows do not change destiny, for only what is decreed shall occur.
✔ In another narration in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Do not make vows, for they do not change destiny at all."
✔ If someone believes that by making a vow a calamity will be repelled, this is a mistaken concept—and such vows have been forbidden by the Prophet ﷺ.
✔ However, if one makes a vow with the belief that only Allah controls benefit and harm, and He does as He wills—such a vow is permissible, and fulfilling it is obligatory.
✔ Nadhr is a form of financial worship.
✔ If it is made in the name of anyone other than Allah, it becomes shirk (polytheism).
✔ Those who vow in the names of saints or pious figures instead of Allah are guilty not only of sin, but risk losing their faith entirely.
Example:
A childless man says, “O Allah, if You grant me a son, I will build a mosque or hospital.”
✘ This type of vow is prohibited, as it attempts to bargain with Allah, which is not appropriate.
✔ However, if the vow is made, it must be fulfilled, even if its initial premise was flawed.
Example:
Someone already blessed with a bounty says:
“O Allah, as gratitude for what You have already given, I will do such-and-such for Your religion.”
✔ This is a valid and commendable vow, and it should be fulfilled.
✔ Offering vows and food in Allah’s name is permissible and valid.
✔ Vows and offerings (nadhr o niyāz) must be made exclusively for Allah.
✘ Doing so in the name of anyone other than Allah is ḥarām and acts as shirk.
✔ The ḥadīth and scholarly commentary make it abundantly clear that:
والله أعلم بالصواب
Source: Fatāwā ʿIlmiyyah, Vol. 1 – Kitāb al-ʿAqāʾid, p. 185
❖ Meaning of the Ḥadīth:
The ḥadīth explains that vowing (nadhr) does not alter divine decree (taqdīr), but it does lead a stingy person to spend in charity—something he would not have done otherwise.
Narrated by Abū Hurayrah رضي الله عنه, the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Vowing does not bring to the son of Ādam anything which was not already decreed for him. However, the vow draws him toward that which had already been decreed for him. Through the vow, Allah extracts wealth from a stingy person—he ends up giving in charity what he would not have given before."
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 6694, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 1640)
❖ Commentary by Maulānā Muḥammad Dāwūd Rāz رحمه الله:
✔ People usually avoid spending in the path of Allah, but when afflicted with hardship, they begin to make vows and pledges.
✔ The Prophet ﷺ made it clear that vows do not change destiny, for only what is decreed shall occur.
✔ In another narration in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Do not make vows, for they do not change destiny at all."
✔ If someone believes that by making a vow a calamity will be repelled, this is a mistaken concept—and such vows have been forbidden by the Prophet ﷺ.
✔ However, if one makes a vow with the belief that only Allah controls benefit and harm, and He does as He wills—such a vow is permissible, and fulfilling it is obligatory.
✔ Nadhr is a form of financial worship.
✔ If it is made in the name of anyone other than Allah, it becomes shirk (polytheism).
✔ Those who vow in the names of saints or pious figures instead of Allah are guilty not only of sin, but risk losing their faith entirely.
❖ Types of Nadhr (Vows):
➊ Prohibited Vow (Nadhr Mamnūʿ):
Example:
A childless man says, “O Allah, if You grant me a son, I will build a mosque or hospital.”
✘ This type of vow is prohibited, as it attempts to bargain with Allah, which is not appropriate.
✔ However, if the vow is made, it must be fulfilled, even if its initial premise was flawed.
➋ Permissible and Praiseworthy Vow (Nadhr Jāʾiz wa Maḥmūd):
Example:
Someone already blessed with a bounty says:
“O Allah, as gratitude for what You have already given, I will do such-and-such for Your religion.”
✔ This is a valid and commendable vow, and it should be fulfilled.
❖ Sharʿi Rulings on Nadhr and Niyāz:
✔ Offering vows and food in Allah’s name is permissible and valid.
✔ Vows and offerings (nadhr o niyāz) must be made exclusively for Allah.
✘ Doing so in the name of anyone other than Allah is ḥarām and acts as shirk.
❖ Summary:
✔ The ḥadīth and scholarly commentary make it abundantly clear that:
- Vows do not alter destiny,
- But once made, must be fulfilled,
- The intention behind the vow must be correct and sincere,
- All vows must be made only for Allah,
- Any vow made in the name of others is invalid, sinful, and constitutes shirk.
والله أعلم بالصواب
