This hadith is reported on the authority of Adi b. Hatim through another chain of transmitters.
The Book of Oaths - Sahih Muslim 1651 d
This narration from 'Adi ibn Hatim (may Allah be pleased with him) concerns the matter of oaths and their expiations, specifically addressing situations where one unintentionally breaks an oath or finds it impossible to fulfill.
Textual Analysis
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "There are three matters in which breaking one's oath does not require expiation: When a man vows to sever relations with his kin, when a man vows to something over which he has no control, and when a man vows to commit a sin."
This teaching establishes important legal principles regarding the nature of binding oaths and distinguishes between valid and invalid vows in Islamic jurisprudence.
Juridical Commentary
Scholars explain that an oath to sever family ties is invalid because maintaining kinship relations is a religious obligation. Similarly, vowing to do the impossible demonstrates the vow's invalidity from its inception.
Most significantly, any oath to commit a sinful act is null and void, as obedience to Allah takes precedence over all other commitments. The believer is actually obliged to break such an oath and seek forgiveness.
Spiritual Dimensions
This hadith teaches Muslims to be mindful of their speech and avoid making frivolous oaths. It emphasizes that the purpose of oaths is to strengthen one's commitment to righteousness, not to enable sin or harm relationships.
The wisdom behind these exceptions protects believers from unnecessary spiritual burdens while guiding them toward what pleases Allah and benefits their worldly and hereafter affairs.