QUESTION: What is the Kaffarah of breaking an oath? ANSWER: The Kaffarah of a wealthy person (one who owns the Nisaab of Zakaat) is to feed ten poor people (who are eligible to receive Zakaat), an average meal that one would feed his family, or clothe ten poor people,...
Vows & Oaths
Vows and oaths
QUESTION: 1. Please explain the difference between a vow and an oath? 2. Can a person make a vow that if a certain thing is fulfilled, he will perform Umrah? 3. If a person makes a vow, can he retract it before it is fulfilled? 4. Would an oath or vow be valid if a...
Taking a vow to go out in Jamaat
Question:- A person takes a vow if a certain need of his will be fulfilled, then he will go for 40 days in Jamaat. Is such a vow binding? Answer:- It is only permissible to take a vow of something that falls in the category of Ibaadat-e-Maqsoodah such as Salaah,...
Taking an oath to not eat lunch
Question:- I took a Qasm not to eat lunch today. Will my oath be fulfilled if I eat after Maghrib Salaah and again after Esha Salaah? Answer:- In our context lunch is generally eaten around midday, whilst supper is eaten after sunset. Therefore, if you eat after...
Kaffarah for not fulfilling a number of vows
Question:- I vowed that whenever I fantasize intentionally, then I will make Istighfaar for 10 minutes on the same day before sleeping for each fantasizing, as long as the total doesn't exceed 40 minutes. Now, if I fantasized on a number of days without Istighfaar,...
Inability to fulfil one’s vow due to financial constraints
Question:- About 15 years ago, my son took a vow when he commenced work that he will give R4000 in Sadaqah every month. However, he was unable to give out the stipulated amount after some time. Answer:- We understand from your query that he took a vow of giving...
Taking a vow of making Khatm of Quraan Sharif
Question:- Zaid took a vow, 'If my work or task is accomplished, then I will make Khatm of Quraan Sharif in congregation.' If his work is accomplished, then will it be Waajib upon him to gather people to recite Quraan Sharif or not? Answer:- The famous custom of...
Son claiming that father gifted 50% of the business to him
Question:- My brother claims that my father gifted his (my father's) 50% share of the business to him during his lifetime. None of the family members are aware of it. How should the matter be resolved since my father is now deceased? Answer:- In the queried scenario,...