Q: My wife traveled from Khamis Mishit to Jeddah by air for the first time in her life. She has, thus, made a vow that if the plane lands safely at Jeddah Airport, she will observe Sawm (Fast) for three days every month. Since she is suffering from a serious disease that may lead to her death, she cannot observe Sawm. Is she permitted to adopt something easier to fulfill her vow and at the same time preserve her life?

A: If the reality is as you mentioned that she has vowed to observe Sawm and that she has a disease that prevents the fulfillment of her vow, she may offer the Kaffarah (expiation) for an oath provided that a trustworthy specialist decides that recovery from this disease is hopeless. The Kaffarah involves emancipating a believing slave, or providing ten Miskins (needy persons) with clothing, or feeding them by giving each one of them half a Sa` (1 Sa`=3 kg. Approx.) of the staple food, such as rice, wheat, dates, or the like. On the other hand, if the specialist decides that the recovery is not hopeless, she has to observe Sawm when she is able to fulfill her vow. 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." (Part No. 23; Page No. 258) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.