What is the ruling on breaking an oath if a mother swears an oath to her son not to take her to a certain place, then changes her mind and asks to go? And is this considered a vain oath (laghw yameen)? What is the ruling on someone who makes another person swear an oath to eat lunch, and then the other person breaks the oath or does not break it? And is expiation (kaffarah) required in these cases?

If the mother swore without intention or it was a slip of the tongue, then there is no accountability or expiation upon her (laghw al-yameen - a vain oath). However, if her oath was with intention and purpose, and she broke it by going with the questioner, then she must offer expiation for an oath (kaffarat yameen): feeding ten needy persons, or clothing them, or emancipating a slave. If she cannot find these, then she must fast for three days. It is appropriate for her to break her oath if there is a benefit in doing so. As for someone who swears an oath upon his friend, if his intention was to honor him, there is no expiation. But if his intention was to obligate him and the friend did not comply, then expiation is due upon him. A Muslim should not be frequent in swearing oaths.