What is the ruling on frequent swearing, with truthful and false oaths, concerning past and future actions, and what is its expiation?
Oaths are divided into: Laghw al-Yamin (idle oath), for which there is no expiation; and al-Yamin al-Ghamus (the dive-in oath), which is one of the major sins, and repentance is obligatory for it, although scholars differ on the necessity of expiation.
In the case of repeated oaths:
- If one swore an oath, then broke it and expiated, then swore another oath and broke it, a new expiation is obligatory by consensus. - If one swore different oaths, the majority of scholars hold that an expiation is due for each oath. However, according to the Hanbalis, only one expiation is obligatory. Based on the view of the majority, one should strive to estimate the number of oaths to fulfill the expiations. - If one swore multiple oaths concerning a single matter and then broke them, the preponderant opinion is that only one expiation is required.
It is obligatory for a sinner to offer sincere repentance, by abandoning the sin, regretting it, and resolving not to return to it. One should also frequently remember Allah, recite the Quran, avoid places of disobedience, and associate with the righteous. An oath sworn to abandon a sin is binding, and if the one who swore it breaks it, expiation becomes obligatory. Frequent swearing of oaths is religiously reprehensible.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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