Q: I have made many vows while I was in Riyadh and I could not fulfill any of them due to the lack of time. Now, I am able to fulfill these vows. As there are many poor people who deserve Sadaqah (voluntary charity), I hope you would advise me if it is permissible to fulfill my vows here in Pakistan or they are to be fulfilled when I go back to Riyadh.

A: If you have made a vow to do a good act, you have to fulfill it, for (Part No. 23; Page No. 244) Allah (Exalted be He) has praised those who fulfill their vows in His Saying: They (are those who) fulfil (their) vows, and they fear a Day whose evil will be wide-spreading. Allah (Exalted be He) also says: And whatever you spend for spendings (e.g., in Sadaqah - charity for Allâh’s Cause) or whatever vow you make, be sure Allâh knows it all. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Anyone who vows to obey Allah should remain obedient to Him; and anyone who vows to disobey Allah should not disobey Him." Furthermore, if you have not specified a certain place or destination to receive your vow, you may fulfill it anywhere. If it is in terms of money, you could give it to the poor people who deserve it. However, if you have already chosen a recipient for your vow, you have to give to them what you have vowed.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.