The Book of Oaths and Vows - Sunan an-Nasa'i 3786

"The Messenger of Allah said: 'Whoever swears an oath, then sees something better than it, let him leave his oath, and do that which is better, and offer expiation for it.'"

Commentary on the Hadith

This noble hadith establishes a profound principle in Islamic jurisprudence regarding oaths. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ teaches us that if a person takes an oath to do something, but subsequently realizes there is a better alternative that brings more benefit or avoids greater harm, they should abandon their oath in favor of the superior option.

The wisdom behind this ruling is that Islam prioritizes benefit and prevents harm. An oath should not become a means of causing difficulty or preventing good. The requirement of expiation (kaffarah) serves as both a spiritual purification and a reminder of the seriousness of oaths, while allowing flexibility in changing circumstances.

Juridical Rulings

The expiation for breaking an oath is detailed in the Quran (5:89): feeding ten needy persons, clothing them, or freeing a slave. For those unable to do these, fasting three days is prescribed.

Scholars agree this ruling applies to oaths concerning permissible matters. Oaths involving obligatory acts or prohibitions follow different rules, as one cannot abandon an obligation or commit a prohibition even if they swore otherwise.

Practical Application

If someone swears not to speak to a relative but realizes reconciliation is better, they should break their oath and reconcile while offering expiation.

If one swears to boycott a beneficial business opportunity, they should take the opportunity and expiate their oath. This demonstrates Islam's balanced approach between honoring commitments and pursuing greater good.