The difference between vow and donation in Islam (simplified)

A vow and a donation are both forms of giving in Islam, but there are some differences between them.

A vow, or “Nadhr” in Arabic, is a promise that a Muslim makes to Allah to perform a specific act or refrain from doing something in exchange for a specific desired outcome. For example, a person may make a vow to fast for a set number of days if their sick child recovers. If the desired outcome is achieved, the person is obligated to fulfill their vow. If they fail to fulfill their vow, they are considered to have committed a sin.

On the other hand, a donation, or “Sadaqah” in Arabic, is a voluntary act of giving in the form of money, goods, or services to benefit others. Donations are considered a highly virtuous act in Islam, and Muslims are encouraged to give generously. Donations can be made to charitable causes, such as helping the poor and needy, supporting education or healthcare, or contributing to the maintenance of mosques, shrines, and other religious institutions.

In summary, a vow is a promise made to Allah in exchange for a specific outcome, while a donation is a voluntary act of giving to benefit others. Both acts are considered virtuous in Islam, but they serve different purposes and are done for different reasons.