35/35. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 3818 — Completing an Unfulfilled Vow After Death
If A Person Dies With A Vow Unfulfilled
Unfulfilled Vow After Death: Fulfill It on Her Behalf
Sunan an-Nasai : 3818
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 3818
أَخْبَرَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا اللَّيْثُ، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، عَنْ عُبَيْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، قَالَ اسْتَفْتَى سَعْدُ بْنُ عُبَادَةَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فِي نَذْرٍ كَانَ عَلَى أُمِّهِ فَتُوُفِّيَتْ قَبْلَ أَنْ تَقْضِيَهُ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " اقْضِهِ عَنْهَا " .
Ibn 'Abbas Narrated from:
Sa'd bin 'Ubadah asked the Messenger of Allah about a vow which his mother had sworn, but she died before she could fulfill it. The Messenger of Allah said: 'Fulfill it on her behalf.'
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 3818In-book reference : Book 35, Hadith 58English translation : Vol. 4, Book 35, Hadith 3849
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 3818
In this narration, Sa'd bin Ubadah asks the Messenger of Allah about a vow made by his mother. She died before she could fulfill it. The Prophet told him to fulfill the vow on her behalf. This hadith about an unfulfilled vow after death gives a short and specific answer. It does not discuss every kind of unfinished duty. It speaks about a mother's vow, her death before completion, and her son's request for guidance. The instruction was for him to carry it out for her. The report also highlights family care in a practical form. Sa'd remembered the obligation his mother had left and did not ignore it. He brought the matter to the Prophet and received a clear direction.
What we learn from this hadith
- The mother had made a vow but died before fulfilling it.
- Sa'd brought the matter to the Prophet.
- The Prophet told him to complete the vow on her behalf.
- A family member may seek guidance about an unfinished vow of the deceased.
