Explanation of the author's statement: "And the valid ones of it are five categories. The absolute, such as if one says: 'I have a vow to Allah' and did not specify anything, then he is obligated to pay the expiation for an oath."

The Shaykh : Then the author said "And the valid ones of it are five categories". The valid vow, meaning what is established among vows, is of five categories. As for what is not established, it is everything other than these five. If you wish, say: and whatever does not meet the conditions of its establishment. For example, if someone says, "I have a vow to Allah to fast yesterday," this is not established because it is impossible, since the day of yesterday has passed. If a minor says, "I have a vow to Allah to fast," it is not established either, so it does not fall under the valid ones. The author's statement "the valid ones of it" serves as a caution against what is not established, because what is not established has no ruling. Is that clear? Five categories. The first is the absolute. The absolute means that nothing is specified in it, such as saying, "I have a vow to Allah" only. This is absolute. Why did we call it absolute? Because nothing was specified in it. A man says, "I have a vow to Allah," whether he intended to specify something or not, because he might say, "I have a vow to Allah," and in his mind he intends to specify something, then he withdraws and does not speak. Or he might not intend anything from the start. He says, "I have a vow to Allah" only. We say he is obligated to pay the expiation for an oath, based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in the hadith of 'Uqbah ibn 'Amir . And Muslim narrated it without mentioning "if it is not specified," saying without mentioning "if it is not specified." But Ibn Majah narrated it with the wording —pay attention— What is the expiation for an oath?

The questioner : Freeing a slave.

The Shaykh : Or feeding.

The questioner : Ten poor people.

The Shaykh : Or clothing them. If he does not find the means, then fasting for three consecutive days. This is one.