Is making a vow (Nadhar) recommended (Mustahabb)?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Vows

Book 61 · Issue 2 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Making a vow is not recommended. Evidence for this is the narration from Ibn Umar that the Prophet, peace be upon him, prohibited vows, stating, "It does not bring any good, but rather it is used to extract wealth from a miser." This prohibition is understood as a prohibition of dislike (Karahah), not absolute prohibition (Tahrim). If it were forbidden, those who fulfill such vows would not be praised, as their sin in committing a forbidden act would be greater than their obedience in fulfilling it. Moreover, if it were recommended, the Prophet and his excellent companions would have engaged in it extensively.