The Book of Oaths and Vows - Sunan an-Nasa'i 3829

"The Messenger of Allah said: 'Whoever swears an oath and says: If Allah wills, then he has made an exception.'"

Commentary on the Hadith

This noble hadith establishes the Islamic principle of istithna' (exception) when making oaths and vows. The phrase "In sha' Allah" (If Allah wills) serves as a conditional clause that prevents one from being bound by an oath if circumstances prevent its fulfillment.

Scholars explain that this exception reflects proper tawakkul (reliance on Allah) and acknowledges that all matters are ultimately in Divine control. Without this exception, one might unintentionally commit perjury if unable to fulfill their oath due to factors beyond their control.

The wisdom behind this teaching is to combine determination with submission to Allah's decree. When a Muslim makes an oath while saying "In sha' Allah," they demonstrate both resolve to accomplish something and recognition that its actualization depends entirely on Allah's will.

Legal Implications

According to classical scholars, when one includes "In sha' Allah" with an oath, they are not considered to have broken their oath if they fail to fulfill it, provided the failure was due to legitimate reasons beyond their control.

This exception applies to both affirmative oaths ("I will do this, In sha' Allah") and negative oaths ("I will not do this, In sha' Allah"). The condition protects the individual from unintended sin while maintaining the sanctity of oaths in Islamic law.