Making a promise/vow without saying it verbally

Q:

1. If a person promises something to Allah without verbally uttering it, is the promise binding? If he/she does not fulfill the promise will he/she be sinning?

2. If someone says to Allah that I will do such and such, but he/she did not say the word ‘promise’ to Allah and nor did he/she use the word ‘vow’ or ‘oath’. In this case, if the person does not do such and such action, will he/she be sinning?

A:

1. If it was just a thought in the heart, it will not constitute a vow.

2. No

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)