35/24. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 3802 — Vows Do Not Change Outcomes
The Prohibition Against Vows
Vows Do Not Change Destiny: A Clear Hadith About Nadhr
Sunan an-Nasai : 3802
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 3802
أَخْبَرَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ مَنْصُورٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو نُعَيْمٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ مَنْصُورٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مُرَّةَ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عُمَرَ، قَالَ نَهَى رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَنِ النَّذْرِ وَقَالَ " إِنَّهُ لاَ يَرُدُّ شَيْئًا إِنَّمَا يُسْتَخْرَجُ بِهِ مِنَ الشَّحِيحِ " .
`Abdullah bin `Umar Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah forbade vows and said: 'They do not change anything; they are just a means of taking wealth from the miserly.'
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 3802In-book reference : Book 35, Hadith 42English translation : Vol. 4, Book 35, Hadith 3833
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 3802
This narration states that the Messenger of Allah forbade vows. He explained that a vow does not change anything and that it is a means of taking wealth from a miserly person. The hadith about vows and destiny corrects the idea that making a vow can alter what will happen. Its wording is direct: the vow does not turn events in a new direction. At the same time, it may cause someone who normally holds back to spend. This makes the lesson both spiritual and practical. A Muslim should not view a vow as a bargain that changes an outcome. The text also points to a better attitude toward giving: a person should not need a self-imposed condition before becoming willing to spend for a good purpose.
What we learn from this hadith
- A vow does not change what will happen.
- The Prophet forbade vows.
- Vows may draw wealth from people who are unwilling to give freely.
- Giving should not depend on a belief that a vow controls events.
