Am I Allowed To Break a Promise to Allah?

Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question

I made a promise to Allah regarding an act of worship. But I feel like I made it a bit difficult for myself. Am I allowed to change the promise into something else that can be a lot easier?

Answer

Thank you for your question.

Breaking your promise will be disliked. You may still change it or not make any promise at all, but simply intend to do your best. Please see the links below carefully for the difference between a promise, vow, and oath and discern which one you made.

Promises vs Vows and Oaths
What is the Difference Between a Promise, an Oath, and a Vow?
Can a Promise to Allah be Considered an Oath?
Is It Obligatory to Fulfill My Promises?

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.