Vowing to slaughter a cow if his uncle buys a building and the uncle then buys it and annulls the sale

347

Q 2: Your Eminence, I said to my uncle, “By Allah! If you buy a building, I will slaughter a calf.” I said this three years ago, and my uncle had now bought a building. Do I have to fulfill the vow I made three years ago or what should I do now? My financial situation is such that I cannot afford to buy a sacrificial animal. What is the solution, other than performing Sawm (Fast), and what is the solution if my uncle pardons me?

A: It is obligatory on you to fulfill the vow you made, as Allah (Exalted be He) says: They (are those who) fulfil (their) vows Also, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Anyone who vows to obey Allah, should obey Him and anyone who vows to disobey Allah, should not disobey Him.” (Part No. 23; Page No. 311) The vow you made is a right owed to Allah that you obligated yourself to fulfill, so your uncle does not have the right to pardon you in regard to it. It will remain as a debt on you, until you fulfill it.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.