You asked me for one hundred dirhams and I am the son of Hatim; by Allah, I will not give you. But then he said: (I would have done that) if I had not heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) say: He who takes an oath, but then finds something better than that, should do that which is better.
The Book of Oaths - Sahih Muslim 1651e
This narration from Sahih Muslim presents a profound example of how a Muslim should navigate the delicate matter of oaths when better alternatives emerge. The companion initially swore by Allah not to give the requested hundred dirhams, invoking his noble lineage as son of Hatim to emphasize his resolve.
Scholarly Commentary
The wisdom of this hadith lies in its recognition that human judgment is fallible. When one takes an oath based on limited understanding or in haste, and subsequently discovers a more righteous path, Islamic jurisprudence permits breaking such an oath in favor of the superior alternative.
Breaking the oath in this case requires expiation (kaffarah), typically feeding ten poor persons, clothing them, or freeing a slave. This demonstrates that while the oath is respected, moral excellence and righteousness take precedence in Islamic ethics.
Practical Application
This teaching encourages Muslims to prioritize ongoing moral reasoning over rigid adherence to past declarations. It reflects the merciful nature of Islamic law, which acknowledges human imperfection and provides mechanisms for spiritual rectification.
The companion's example shows that true piety lies not in stubborn adherence to an oath, but in the willingness to choose the better path once it becomes apparent, coupled with fulfilling the required expiation.