He who took an oath, but he found something else better than that, should do that which is better and break his oath.
The Book of Oaths - Sahih Muslim 1651b
He who took an oath, but he found something else better than that, should do that which is better and break his oath.
Commentary on the Hadith
This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim establishes an important principle in Islamic jurisprudence regarding oaths. When a Muslim takes an oath to do or abstain from something, but subsequently discovers a course of action that is more beneficial and righteous, they are instructed to pursue the better alternative and expiate for breaking their oath.
The wisdom behind this teaching is that the ultimate objective of Islamic law is to achieve benefit and prevent harm. If adhering to an oath would lead to missing a greater good or committing a wrong, then the higher purpose of Shari'ah takes precedence. This demonstrates the flexibility and practicality of Islamic teachings.
Conditions and Application
This ruling applies when the better alternative is genuinely superior in terms of religious merit, benefit to others, or prevention of harm. It does not permit breaking oaths for mere personal preference or worldly convenience.
The expiation (kaffarah) for breaking such an oath is clearly outlined in the Quran (5:89): feeding ten needy persons, clothing them, or freeing a slave. If unable to do these, one must fast for three days. This expiation maintains the sanctity of oaths while allowing for necessary flexibility.
Scholarly Consensus
The majority of classical scholars, including Imam Abu Hanifah, Imam Malik, Imam al-Shafi'i, and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, agree with this ruling. They emphasize that this exception preserves the spirit of Islamic law while maintaining the importance of keeping one's word.
This hadith reflects the comprehensive nature of Islamic teachings, balancing between the obligation to fulfill oaths and the higher objective of pursuing what is truly beneficial and righteous.