The Expiation for a Disliked Vow

Question:
One of the brothers says: I vowed that if I committed the secret habit, meaning masturbation by hand, I would fast for two consecutive years. I did this to prevent myself from this habit, but I ended up doing it and I am unable to fast. What is the solution?

Answer:
This vow is disliked (makruh) and should not be done. Since it is a vow not made for the purpose of drawing near to Allah, but rather to prevent oneself from this habit—like one who says, "If I speak to so-and-so, I will fast for two years," or "If I visit so-and-so, I will fast for two years"—this means encouraging oneself to do something or preventing oneself from doing something. The ruling is that of an oath. He does not have to fast; he must feed ten poor people or clothe them. He does not have to fast in this case because the intention was not to draw near to Allah; the intention was to prevent himself from this thing. One must absolutely be cautious of the secret habit, even if he did not make this vow. And if...
He must be cautious of it. He must lower his gaze from people, from women, and from what is forbidden. He must have caution, fear of Allah, and self-monitoring. He should fast frequently. If he has a wife, he should maintain his connection with her, or he should get married. By doing this, the evil will be removed, if it is accompanied by treatment. Every disease has a cure; Allah did not send down a disease without sending down its cure.