Does expiation become obligatory for someone who swore repeated and emphatic oaths not to travel until Monday, then traveled on Wednesday after his father compelled him by divorcing his mother with the triple divorce?
Scholars have differed regarding the ruling on someone who performs what they swore an oath to avoid under duress. The most preponderant view is that they do not break their oath if the duress to perform what they swore to avoid is genuinely established. However, the situation described in the question does not fall under the category of recognized duress. Therefore, a single expiation for breaking an oath is required. One should break the oath and respond to the father's request, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "By Allah, if Allah wills, I will not swear an oath and then see something else as better than it, but I will expiate for my oath and do that which is better." The expiation for breaking an oath is to feed ten poor people or clothe them; if one cannot find them, then to fast for three days.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/134070