Vows (naẕr) in Islam
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: Naẕr (نذر), plural: nuẕūr
- Turkish: Adak
- Hebrew: Neder (נֶדֶר)
Introduction
In Islam, vows or ‘naẕr’ (نذر) play a significant role in personal piety and religious commitment. The concept is deeply embedded in Islamic theology and law, reflecting a solemn promise or pledge made by an individual to perform a particular act of worship or abstention, conditioned upon the realization of a specific outcome or as an expression of gratitude or devotion.
Theological Importance
The Qur’an mentions those who fulfill their vows among the righteous who will drink from the waters of Kafūr in Paradise:
<p>“They [are those who] fulfill [their] vows and fear a Day whose evil will be widespread.” — (Qur’an 76:7)</p>
The importance of fulfilling vows is underscored in this verse, indicating spiritual rewards in the hereafter. Contrarily, the non-performance of a vow is considered sinful, as emphasized in various Hadith texts, including the Mishkāt:
<p>“Pay what you vow, for who breaks his promise, bears the sin.”</p>
Prophetic Guidance
Despite the significance of vows, the Prophet Muhammad is reported to have expressed some reservation about making vows:
<p>“Do not make a vow, for it cannot alter fate; still, it does extract something from the wealth of the stingy.”</p>
This prophetic saying underscores the notion that vows cannot change the divine decree or qadar. However, the commitment to fulfilling a vow tests one’s sincerity and purity of intention.
Consequences and Atonements
The failure to perform a vow necessitates atonement similar to an unfulfilled oath. The established forms of atonement include:
- Freeing a Slave: A liberatory act aimed at earning favor with God.
- Clothing Ten Poor Persons: Acts of charity designed to alleviate the sufferings of the needy.
- Feeding Ten Persons: A charitable act reflecting the importance of social welfare in Islam.
- Fasting for Three Days: A spiritual exercise aimed at personal repentance and renewal.
These remedies, outlined in classical legal texts such as the Hidāyah, emphasize mercy, social justice, and personal piety.
Recommended Books for Further Study
- “Reliance of the Traveller” by Ahmad ibn Naqib al-Misri - A classic manual of Islamic sacred law, providing extensive insights into vows and other legal issues.
- “Fiqh al-Sunnah” by Sayyid Sabiq - A contemporary work explaining important aspects of Islamic jurisprudence, including vows.
- “Hadith: Muhammad’s Legacy in the Medieval and Modern World” by Jonathan A.C. Brown - Offers a contextual understanding of hadith literature, including those pertaining to vows.
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Vows (naẕr) in Islam: Represent a significant personal pledge with spiritual and social implications.
- Fulfillment and Non-Fulfillment: Righteous acts are associated with meeting one’s vows, whereas failure necessitates atonement.
- Prophetic Advice: Suggests cautious use of vows, emphasizing reliance on God’s will.
Understanding vows in Islam provides a lens into deeper theological and ethical practices, reflecting the delicate balance between personal intention and divine decree.
This entry seeks to offer a comprehensive understanding of vows or naẕr in Islamic tradition, emphasizing their role, significance, and the recommended path of action when they are not fulfilled. The study of vows in Islam encompasses theological discourse, legal rulings, and practical implications, mirroring the multifaceted nature of Islamic practice.
