Ruling on vows

Q 1: What is the ruling on vows in Islam? Some people adhere to this traditional practice because of their fathers and ancestors; they offer a slaughtered animal and say it has been slaughtered for the sake of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Keep in mind that they make such vows at fixed times of the year. Many of them keep this habit in the blessed month of Ramadan. What is the ruling of Islam in this regard? Are such deeds permissible? Kindly give me a Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar). May Allah benefit us and you!

A: First, devotions such as slaughtering animals, offering supererogatory Prayers, observing voluntary Sawm (Fast), and the like are acts of `Ibadah (worship). Thus, anyone who vows any of them should fulfill their vow, as Allah (Exalted be He) says: And whatever you spend for spendings (e.g., in Sadaqah - charity for Allâh’s Cause) or whatever vow you make, be sure Allâh knows it all. Allah (Exalted be He) also says: They (are those who) fulfil (their) vows Allah (Exalted be He) has, thus, praised those who fulfill their vows. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: "Anyone who vows to obey Allah should obey Him." Anyone who vows for other than Allah, for a prophet, a king, or a Waliy (pious person), commits an act of Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship), because they dedicate an act of `Ibadah only befitting Allah (Exalted be He) to other than Him. Consequently, anyone who does such a deed has to make Tawbah (repentance to Allah) and seek Allah's Forgiveness for any act of Shirk they have committed. Second, slaughtering animals as a means to glorify the Messenger (peace be upon him) and draw closer to him or to any other creature is a kind of Shirk, as this involves dedicating acts of `Ibadah to other than Allah (Exalted be He). Hence, anyone who does such acts should make Tawbah and seek Allah's Forgiveness. (Part No. 23; Page No. 235) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.