What should I do about the multitude of oaths whose number I do not know, so that I may fulfill the expiations incumbent upon me? Is it permissible for the expiation of an oath to be an invitation to lunch for family and relatives? Does swearing by divorce necessitate expiation if the intention is unknown and it is likely that divorce was not intended?
It is disliked to swear excessively. If someone has sworn multiple oaths and broke them without expiating:
If the oaths were concerning one matter, even if repeated: only one expiation is required. If the oaths were concerning different actions: multiple expiations are required, one for each oath. The expiation for an oath is: feeding ten needy persons, or clothing them, or freeing a slave. If one cannot find these, then fasting for three days. If the number of oaths is unknown: one should strive to estimate them and offer expiations for the approximate number until it is most probable that the required expiation has been offered. It is permissible to feed poor relatives half a sa' of the local staple food to each needy person, or to invite them for lunch or dinner. Swearing by divorce is a grave matter. According to the majority of scholars, divorce occurs upon breaking such an oath. Some scholars, however, hold that it depends on the intention of the swearer: if he intended threat, encouragement, or prevention, then he owes an expiation for an oath; but if he intended divorce, then it occurs.
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Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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