Islamic rules about taking an oath

If somebody takes an oath, then in case that person didn’t fulfill the oath, that person has to perform the expiation (Kaffara).  If somebody takes an oath to do something, but does not do it or takes an oath not to do something and ends up doing it, then as per the Shariah, expiation (Kaffara) is necessary.

 

If someone takes an oath to commit a sin, any sin, then it is compulsory to break the oath and give the expiation.

 

The expiation for an oath is:

 

1. To free a slave.

 

2. To sufficiently feed 10 needy people twice a day for 1 day or give them the money for a day's food.

 

3. To give average clothing sufficient enough to cover the body to 10 needy people.

 

If a person cannot do all this, then that person should fast for 3 consecutive days.  If even during the 3 days of fasting, that person gets money from somewhere or has a strong possibility of getting money from somewhere, then any one of what is mentioned above is Wajib (compulsory) on that person.  As given in Durre Mukhtaar, ‘Ala Haashiya Raddul Muhtaar, Kitab Ul Iman, Vol. 3, Pg No. 66/67 and in Vol. 2, Pg No. 598.

 

If you have taken any oath, then only someone telling you that you are an oath does not constitute an oath.  Thus, neither is fulfilling that oath is binding on you and neither is there any expiation.

 

The Urdu word for oath is "Qasam" i.e. it starts with "Qaaf" and not "kaaf."  However, if anyone intends to take an oath in the name of Allah Ta'ala and says "Kasam" instead of "qasam," the oath will be considered valid.  As given in Radd Ul Muhtaar, Kitab Ul Iman.

 

If someone has done something and swears that he has not done so or has not done something but swears that he has done so, then this will be considered as a false oath.  In this situation, the person who swears falsely will be considered a sinner.  This person should repent before Allah Ta'ala and should make a firm resolve not to swear falsely again. 

 

There is no expiation (Kaffara) for a false oath, but as it displeases and angers Allah Ta'ala and as charity calms the wrath of Allah Ta'ala, it is better for the person who swears falsely to give away something in charity for the sake of Allah Ta'ala.

 

If any person takes an oath not to perform those acts, performing whom is better than, then that person should break the oath and perform those acts and give the expiation for the oath.  As given in Durre Mukhtaar, Vol. 3, Pg. No. 68.

 

Taking an oath not to do something which is permissible

 

Sometimes people get carried away by emotions and take oaths about not performing acts, which are perfectly permissible in light of the Shariah.

 

If any person takes an oath not to perform those acts, performing whom is better than leaving them, then that person should break the oath and perform those acts and give the expiation for the oath.  As given in Durre Mukhtaar, Vol. 3, Pg. No. 68.

 

For e.g., if a person swears that he will not marry again even if his wife dies and his wife does die in his lifetime, then in light of the aforementioned rules, this person death can marry again, but should give the expiation for the broken oath as detailed above.