What is the required amount of charity if someone vows to give away all their wealth?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Vows
Primary text
If one vows to give away all their wealth in charity, giving away one-third (al-Thuluth) is sufficient. This view is held by Al-Zuhri and Malik. The basis for this is the Prophet's instruction to Abu Lubabah, who wished to give away all his wealth as repentance, stating that one-third would suffice him. Similarly, Ka'b ibn Malik was told by the Prophet to keep some of his wealth, with another narration stating one-third suffices him.
Supporting text
Al-Nu'man and Al-Batti and Al-Shafi'i hold that the entire wealth must be given away, citing the Prophetic saying, "Whoever vows to obey Allah, let him obey Him," because it is a vow of obedience. Abu Hanifa holds that all zakat-worthy wealth must be given. Another narration from Ahmad states the expiation is that of an oath, while another states ten poor people should be fed if the wealth is an inheritance. Rabi'ah held that the amount equivalent to Zakat should be given because the unspecified amount should be guided by established religious practice (Ma'hood al-Shar'), which only mandates Zakat. Jabir ibn Zayd established specific amounts based on whether the wealth was large, medium, or small.