Vowing to visit the Prophet's Mosque and stay there while fasting for 10 days

340

Q: I was pregnant with twins, and I vowed that after safe delivery I would visit the Prophet's Mosque and stay there for ten days, and that I would be fasting during my stay in Al-Madinah. Thanks to Allah, I have now recovered and I want to fulfill my vow. However, I am not able to go to Al-Madinah except in Ramadan, after the mid term exams, as I am a teacher and my husband is an employee. (Part No. 23; Page No. 370) Is it permissible for me to go there in Ramadan taking into consideration that when I made the vow I did not specify a month, or should I go there other than in the month Ramadan as I will be fasting whether I am in Madinah or at home?

A: Fasting Ramadan is not sufficient if you intended by your vow to fast other than the obligatory fasting. If you did not specify the time, it is sufficient for you to fast Ramadan as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Actions are but by intention, and each person shall have that which he intended." He also said, "Whoever vows to obey Allah, should obey Him, and whoever vows to disobey Allah, should not disobey Him." Related by Al-Bukhari in his Sahih (authentic) Book of Hadith. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.