Is expiation (kaffarah) obligatory for the oaths sworn by the questioner out of ignorance of the ruling concerning oaths and expiation, and for the oaths that were not intended?
One should not frequently swear by Allah, for it indicates audacity towards Allah. It is obligatory to desist from excessive swearing and the whispers of Satan, and to rely on Allah and repent to Him. Ignorance of the expiation required for an oath does not waive it. Doubt regarding the essence of the oath or its breach does not necessitate anything. An oath arising from obsessive whispers without intention incurs no penalty. However, if it is intended to stop the whispers, it becomes binding. The swearer does not breach the oath if the reason for which the oath was taken ceases to exist. An oath is not binding by mere writing without intention. An oath uttered unintentionally is a "laghw al-yameen" (vain oath), for which there is no expiation. And whoever says "I swear" or "I have sworn" and intends thereby to swear by Allah, their oath becomes binding.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 149058
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- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy