Vowing that if he got a job he would join the Committee to Combat Blindness in the Islamic World

Q: I attended a lecture in one of the Masjids (mosques) of Riyadh. The lecturer spoke about the Committee to Combat Blindness in the Islamic World; he lauded the efforts of this committee and encouraged participation in it. I became excited about participating and made a vow that if Allah blessed me with a job with a regular salary, I would do so. I thought that it would cost me 200 Riyals a month, whereas it is 200 Riyals annually. I have now been working for three years and receiving a monthly salary, but I have not paid them a Riyal yet. My question:1. Is it permissible for me to provide for an orphan instead of fulfilling my vow to participate in the Committee to Combat Blindness in the Islamic World, as I would like to provide for an orphan due to its great reward from Allah. Please note that providing for an orphan costs 1,200 Riyals annually, whereas participation in the aforementioned committee costs 200 Riyals.2. What is the ruling on delaying the fulfillment of my vow and the years I did not give anything to the committee? Am I sinful for this delay?3. If I have to pay the money to the Committee to Combat Blindness in the Islamic world, what is your opinion on this committee, does their work conform to the Islamic rulings and are the people in charge of it reliable? (Part No. 23; Page No. 349) I am confused about this, please advise me and may Allah reward you with the best!

A: It is obligatory on you to fulfill the vow you made, because it is a vow of obedience to Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered the fulfillment of vows when he said, “Anyone who vows to obey Allah, should obey Him.” It is also obligatory on you to fulfill the aforementioned vow in the future, and it is not permissible for you to spend the money on other than what you vowed.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.