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Fatwa CenterRuling on vowing to fast on the anniversary of the death of a relative
Question
After the death of one of my relatives, I decided to fast on the anniversary of her death every year as a charity for her. What is the ruling on this fasting? Has it become a vow? What am I required to do if I did not fast that day in a previous year?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and messenger.
Fasting on the anniversary of the death of your relative every year is a matter that lacks supporting evidence. Thus, it falls under the category of Al-Bid‘ah Al-Idhafiyyah (this term refers to an action that is originally prescribed under the Sharee'ah but is rendered inconsistent with the Sunnah when applied according to a certain manner). Therefore, it is an innovated matter that should be abandoned.
Having stated this, it is not obligatory to fulfill such a vow because it is only obligatory to fulfill vows of doing acts that brings one closer to Allaah Almighty. Moreover, the vow is only considered binding if one utters a statement that indicates commitment like, for example, saying: 'It is due for Allaah Almighty upon me that I do such and such'. Thus, your fasting is not considered a vow that you should always fulfill as long as you did not utter a statement that indicates vowing and commitment because vowing is not considered binding by mere intentions.
The dead receives the reward of supplication and charity according to the agreement of the scholars. However, scholars held different opinions regarding receiving reward for other acts of worship.
Allaah Knows best.
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