Fulfill her vow

Q: I gave birth to a boy thirty eight years ago, but he became ill. I sought medical assistance, but it was of no use, so I left him to Allah's Will. I supplicated to Allah and made a vow that if my son recovers, I will observe Sawm (fasting) on three days of every year. My son recovered, praise be to Allah, and I continued to observe Sawm for fifteen years. However, I stopped observing Sawm for many reasons, including having many children, becoming old in age and illness. Given that my son is now thirty five years old, please advise. (Part No. 23; Page No. 389

A: You have to fulfill your vow as long as you are able to do, according to the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him), A person who vows to obey Allah should do so. If you are unable to fulfill your vow due to chronic illness or aging, you have to pay a Kaffarah (expiation), which is feeding or clothing ten needy people, or emancipating a believing slave. If you cannot do either, you have to observe Sawm for three days.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.