Vowing to allocate a hundred riyals each month to be paid to the poor on someone's behalf


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Q: My child died when he was one year and three months old. (Part No. 23; Page No. 261) As he was my first son, I loved him dearly, because of his intelligence at that early age. When he died, I vowed to give 100 riyals from my salary to the poor on a monthly basis. I do not care about the amount totaling 1200 riyals a year. I read a Hadith indicating that we should not ask Allah's Forgiveness for children who die before reaching the age of Taklif (meeting the conditions to be held legally accountable for actions) because they have no sins. I am confused about this vow; must I fulfill it? Please tell me whether this Hadith is Sahih (authentic) or not. Many thanks for your efforts. May Allah accept your deeds as He is All-Hearer and Responsive!


A: You have to fulfill your vow as long as you receive a monthly salary, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Anyone who vows to (do an act to) obey Allah should obey Him; and anyone who vows to (do an act to) disobey Allah should not disobey Him." (Related by Al-Bukhari in his Sahih (authentic) Book of Hadith) We do not know of any basis for the Hadith you have mentioned in the question. It is permissible to supplicate for the children who die before the age of Taklif. Doing good deeds in their behalf improves their rank in the Hereafter and reinforces their intercession for their parents.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.




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