How many expiations for oaths (kaffarat al-yamin) are incumbent upon me after I swore five times that something would not happen, but it actually did?
A Muslim should not swear an oath except when necessary and concerning a confirmed matter. If he swears an oath based on his strong belief that something will not happen, then there is no expiation (kaffarah) required of him according to the Hanbalis, as this falls under a 'laghw al-yamin' (a vain or unintentional oath). This is the more preponderant opinion, but offering expiation is more cautious. If the repetition of the oath is intended to emphasize the first oath, then only one expiation is due. However, if it is intended to establish and renew the oath each time, then expiation is required for every oath that was broken. This expiation is to feed ten needy persons, or clothe them, or free a slave, or fast three days for one who cannot find the means.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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