Vows: an exclusive Right of Allah

A: Making vows is an act of worship which is an exclusive right of Allah. It is impermissible to dedicate any share of it to other than Him. If a person makes vows to anyone else, they have dedicated a form of worship, which is an exclusive right of Allah, to other than Him. Those who dedicate any form of worship, whether vows, sacrificing animals, or anything else, to other than Allah are considered Mushriks (those who associate others with Allah in worship) and fall under the category which Allah informed us of in His Saying (which means): Verily, whosoever sets up partners (in worship) with Allâh, then Allâh has forbidden Paradise to him, and the Fire will be his abode. And for the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers) there are no helpers. (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5: 72). (Part No. 1; Page No. 181) If any Muslim who is Mukallaf (meeting the conditions to be held legally accountable for one’s actions) believes it is permissible to make vows and offer sacrifices to the dead and buried, this belief is considered major Shirk which takes one out of the fold of Islam. They are granted three days to repent and they must be constrained; either they repent or they are to be executed.It is permissible for their sons to accept the money which they willingly give to them. It is also permissible for them, if they are poor or unable to provide for themselves, to take of their father’s wealth what is sufficient for them on a reasonable basis without his knowledge. `Aishah narrated that Hind bint ‘Utbah , the wife of Abu Sufyan , complained to the Prophet (peace be upon him) that Abu Sufyan did not give her enough to take care of her needs and her children’s, so he said to her: Take from his wealth on a reasonable basis, what is sufficient for you and your children. Thus, it becomes evident that the correct opinion is that of the first group which believes that no vows should be made to other than Allah. If made to other than Allah, it is considered Kufr and Shirk. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.