Making a sacrifice conditional

Question

Question: If someone says: “If this cow becomes pregnant, I will keep it; otherwise I will sacrifice it,” and at present the cow has not become pregnant — may one now sell the cow and with its money take another cow or bull and sacrifice it, or not? May it be sold or not? Also, is this vow valid or not? The person mentioned is well-off.

Answer

The words mentioned in the question admit two possibilities: one is a promise to oneself, the other a vow. If he did not intend a vow but intended a promise, then it is not a vow but merely a promise, fulfilling which is not fard; if his interests require it, selling is permissible, and in its place he should sacrifice another cow or the like.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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