Vowing to strive in Allah's Cause and if unable, to walk from Tabuk to Makkah

Q: I made a vow to go to Jihad (striving in the Cause of Allah) if Allah helps me with a problem that I was facing and later this problem was solved, Praise be to Allah. I intended that if I was unable to go to Jihad, I would go on foot from Tabuk to Makkah Al-Mukarramah and offer Salah in the Sacred Masjid (mosque) in Makkah in thankfulness to Allah (Exalted be He). It should be noted that I cannot fulfill Jihad in the present time because of my work circumstances. May Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon our (Part No. 23; Page No. 378) Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions.

A: Since this man cannot go to Jihad as he mentioned, he has to opt for the second alternative he mentioned, namely, walking to Makkah and performing `Umrah (lesser pilgrimage). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Whoever vows to obey Allah should obey Him. He does not have to go to Makkah on foot, he may ride a vehicle. It was narrated on the authority of `Ikrimah from `Uqbah ibn `Amir Al-Juhany who said that his sister made a vow to walk to Ka`bah then Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, Allah gets no good from her walking. She should ride and offer a she-camel as a Hady (sacrifice). Related by Ahmad and Abu Dawud. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.