Vowing to pray 1.000 Rak`ahs if Allah answers his supplication

Q: I made a vow that I would offer one thousand Rak`ahs (units of Prayer) if Allah answered my supplication. Allah has actually answered my supplication. Is it obligatory for me to offer one thousand Rak`ahs? Do I have to offer them before the passage of a particular time though I had set no particular time for performing such a number of Rak`ahs?

A: It is obligatory for you to offer the number of Rak`ahs you made a vow to perform whenever you are able to do so. You do not need to perform them at one time, as this is a vow of obedience. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Whoever vows to obey Allah should obey Him. We advise you not to make vows in the future, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Do not take vows, for a vow has no effect against Fate; it is only from the miserly that something is extracted. (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.