Q: A married woman vowed that if Allah would restore her son to health, she would observe Sawm (Fasting) every Monday and Thursday of every week of her life. However, her husband did not give her permission to do so, for he feared that her Sawm could have a negative effect on him, as it might subject him to Fitnah (temptation).- Does she have to make Kaffarah (expiation) for her vow due to her husband’s rights, as he may be harmed by her Sawm?- If she has to make Kaffarah, should she offer a general one for her vow or one for every day she does not observe Sawm?- What type of Kaffarah should she offer: compensatory Sawm or other than this?- If she is allowed to make Kaffarah but she is able to observe Sawm for a few days, will it be necessary for her to do so on the days her husband permits her to do so or when he is traveling?- If it is obligatory for her to fulfill the vow she made, will her husband be sinful if he forces her not to fast or has sexual intercourse with her while she is fasting?

A: If the reality is as mentioned - the woman vowed to observe Sawm every Monday and Thursday of every week if Allah would restore her son to health, and Allah has cured her son, and she is married, and her husband has not given her permission as this vow will harm his lawful marital rights - the Shar‘y (Islamic legal) ruling is that it is obligatory for her to fulfill the vow she made because it is a vow of obedience. (Part No. 23; Page No. 328) However, since her husband’s right has priority over the fulfillment of the vow in question, as some of his marital rights will be wasted, she can absolve herself from the vow by offering the Kaffarah for breaking an oath. This is done by freeing a believing slave, or feeding ten needy people - giving each one half a Sa‘ (1 Sa` = 3 kg. Approx.) of wheat, rice or other staple food, which equals 1.5 kg - or clothing ten needy people. If she cannot do this, she should observe Sawm for three days.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.