What is the ruling on breaking an oath when one is unable to fulfill it, and what is the ruling if it conflicts with honoring one's parents?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The binding oath sworn by a Muslim must be fulfilled. However, if it conflicts with honoring one's parents, then honoring the parents must take precedence. In this case, the individual should break their oath and offer expiation for it. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Whoever swears an oath and then sees that something else is better than it, let him do that which is better and offer expiation for his oath."
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/18158
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 18158
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy