People often make vows when they wish for a specific outcome or the fulfillment of a desire. They engage in acts of self-mortification—such as piercing the body with skewers, carrying pots of burning coals, walking barefoot for thousands of miles to a temple, or performing (rolling one's body around the temple)—to fulfill these vows.
We observe people of various faiths performing different types of vows. There is a prevailing belief that God accepts only such severe forms of penance. Consequently, people undertake and carry out these vows that inflict physical pain upon themselves.
Islam—a religion that aligns with human nature and understands these innate human sentiments—provides a proper guideline regarding the practice of making vows.
We witness widespread instances in our country of people making vows to sacrifice their own children—acts of horrific human sacrifice. Islam forbids making vows for such sinful acts. It further commands that even if such a vow has been made, it must not be fulfilled.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever makes a vow to obey Allah, let him obey Him. Whoever makes a vow to disobey Allah, let him not disobey Him."
Narrated by: Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her)
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 6696, 6700
Similarly, the religion prohibits vows that involve inflicting physical harm or suffering upon oneself.
One day, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was delivering a sermon to us. A man was standing there, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) inquired about him. People said, “His name is Abu Isra’il. He has made a vow to remain standing without sitting, to stay in the sun, not to speak, and to observe fasting.” Upon hearing this, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Tell him to speak, to move into the shade, to sit down, and to complete (only) the fast.”
Narrator: Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him)
Source: Bukhari 6704
Some people make vows such as, “If a certain matter is fulfilled for me, I will stand on one leg,” “I will roll on the ground,” or “I will walk barefoot in the scorching sun.”
One should not make a vow that involves inflicting pain or suffering upon oneself. This can be understood from the aforementioned Hadith, and there are other evidences as well.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) saw an elderly man walking while being supported by his two sons. He asked, “What has happened to him?” The Companions replied, “He made a vow to walk (on foot).” The Prophet (peace be upon him) then said, “Allah has no need for this man to torment himself,” and commanded him to mount a vehicle and ride instead.
Narrator: Anas (may Allah be pleased with him)
Source: Bukhari 1865, 6701
Therefore, one should not inflict suffering upon oneself in the name of a vow. When a woman made such a vow, the Prophet (peace be upon him) provided a simple ruling for its fulfillment.
“My sister made a vow to walk to the Kaaba. She asked me to seek clarification from the Prophet (peace be upon him) regarding this matter. I asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) for clarification about it.” To this, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) replied, "Let him walk (for a short distance) and then mount the vehicle."
Narrator: Uqbah bin Amir (RA)
Source: Bukhari 1866
Islam does not permit engaging in foolish acts or practices that cause self-inflicted hardship in the name of a vow. Through these Hadiths, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) clearly declares that God has no need for such things.
Islam teaches ease rather than hardship; grounded in this principle, it invites people to hasten towards it.