Q: I am a 26yearsold man experiencing problems that every married person may have. I am responsible for my three children, but fate prevented me from seeing them and my aging mother for one year and six months. I made a vow that once I return to my family and children who were under the care of charitable people during my absence I will fast for six days, slaughter two animals for the sake of Allah (Exalted be He), visit Makkah and Madinah with my father and make Tawaf (circumambulation around the Ka'bah) with my mother carried on my shoulders. After overcoming my troubles, I slaughtered only one animal due to my financial inability, and could not travel with my family and parents to Makkah or Madinah. I also have not been able to fast and I fear that I have fallen into sin because of breaking these vows. What is the solution? Please, advise.
A: All thanks and praise be to Allah who helped you return to your parents and children, and we ask Him (Glorified and Exalted be He) to set aright all your affairs and help you to do what earns His love and good pleasure. It is obligatory on you to fulfill your vow as much as lies in your power, because Allah praised the believers who fulfill their vows, saying:
They (are those who) fulfil (their) vows, and they fear a Day whose evil will be widespreading.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: "Anyone who vows to obey Allah, should obey Him and anyone who vows to disobey Allah, should not disobey Him." (Related by Imam AlBukhari in his Sahih [Authentic Hadith Book] on the authority of 'Aishah [may Allah be pleased with her])
Allâh burdens not a person beyond his scope.