When anyone amongst you takes an oath, but he finds (something) better than that he should expiate (the breaking of the oath), and do that which is better.
The Book of Oaths - Sahih Muslim 1651c
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings upon our Master Muhammad, his family, and companions.
Textual Analysis
This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim addresses the matter of oaths (aymān) and provides guidance for one who has sworn an oath but subsequently finds a better course of action. The Prophet (peace be upon him) instructs that such a person should expiate the oath and pursue what is better.
The wording "when anyone amongst you takes an oath" indicates the general applicability of this ruling to all Muslims, regardless of their station or circumstance.
Legal Rulings and Conditions
Scholars have established that this ruling applies specifically to oaths concerning future actions (yamīn al-mustaqbal), not oaths about past events. The oath must be valid according to Islamic law, sworn by Allah's name or attributes.
The "better" alternative mentioned refers to that which brings greater benefit, avoids greater harm, or is more pleasing to Allah. This includes acts of worship, maintaining family ties, or avoiding prohibited matters.
Expiation Requirements
The expiation (kaffārah) for breaking such an oath is explicitly mentioned in the Qur'an (5:89): feeding ten needy persons, clothing them, or freeing a slave. If unable to perform these, one must fast three days.
This expiation serves as purification for the broken oath and demonstrates sincerity in seeking Allah's pleasure through choosing the better path.
Wisdom and Benefits
This teaching demonstrates the flexibility and mercy of Islamic law, allowing believers to correct their course when they recognize a better alternative without being bound by earlier declarations.
It encourages continuous moral improvement and prevents rigid adherence to statements that may lead to missing greater benefits or committing wrongs. The priority remains achieving what is most pleasing to Allah, not mere consistency in speech.
Conclusion
This hadith establishes an important principle in Islamic jurisprudence: when faced with a choice between fulfilling an oath and pursuing a clearly superior alternative, one should choose the better path while properly expiating the broken oath. This balances the sanctity of oaths with the higher objective of pursuing goodness and avoiding harm.
And Allah knows best. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and companions.