Expiation for an oath

Expiation for breaking an oath is a legitimate way out for someone who swore by God to do something and then found something better, or who broke their oath (i.e., did not fulfill what they swore to do). It is not merely a penalty, but rather a purification of the soul , an exaltation of the name of God by which the oath was taken, and a restoration of discipline in speech.

1. When is expiation required for breaking an oath?

Expiation is required for a "binding oath," which is an oath that the swearer intends in his heart regarding a future matter (such as: By God, I will not do such and such, or By God, I will do such and such).

• As for “unintentional oaths” (such as saying: No, by God, yes, by God, in a casual conversation without intent), there is no expiation for them.

2. Options for expiation (in order and choice)

The Holy Quran organized the expiation in Surah Al-Ma'idah, and it is divided into two stages:

First stage: Choice (choose one from three)

The person taking the oath must begin with one of these three qualities, according to his ability:

1. Feeding ten poor people: from the average of what you feed your families (a satisfying meal for each poor person, or paying the value of the food to trusted organizations).
2. Clothing ten poor people: a garment for each poor person that is sufficient for prayer.
3. Freeing a slave: (This is not available in our current era because slavery does not exist).

Second stage: Arrangement (when the first stage is not possible)

• Fasting for three days: If the person who swore the oath cannot find money to feed or clothe the poor, then he resorts to fasting.

Note: Fasting is only permissible for those who are unable to provide food or clothing financially.