Can a Father Nullify His Child’s Religious Vow? Clear Answers from Leading Scholars

Regarding a child’s religious vow made without the father’s permission, it should generally be said that, from a religious point of view, a child’s vow or pledge—even if made without the father’s permission—is valid and must be carried out.

Does a Child’s Vow Require the Father’s Permission?

In some cases, a child’s vow made without the father’s permission is void. The following are among those cases:

A vow concerning the father’s property

If a child makes a vow involving the father’s property—such as vowing to sell the father’s car and donate the money to the poor—this vow is void.

A vow that the father has forbidden

If the father has expressly forbidden the child from making the vow, the child’s vow is void.

A vow that causes harm to the father

If the child’s vow would cause harm to the father, that vow is void.

In other cases, a child’s vow without the father’s permission is valid and must be fulfilled.

The Child’s Religious Vow Without the Father’s Permission

Fatwas of Senior Islamic Authorities on This Matter

Supreme Leader: Permission from anyone is not required for a vow, and the father’s prohibition does not invalidate the vow.

Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi: A child’s vow does not require the father’s permission, unless the child’s act causes harm to the father; in that case, the vow is not valid.

Ayatollah Sistani: The father’s opposition does not nullify the vow; however, if this parental opposition stems from compassion and kindness toward the child’s condition, then it is forbidden for the child to act contrary to their wishes.