What is the ruling on repeatedly taking an oath and then retracting it or forgetting it, and what is its expiation?
If a swearer retracts an oath made by Allah, he must offer expiation for the oath, which is feeding ten poor people or clothing them. If he cannot find them, then he must fast for three days. The breach of the oath occurs by doing that which was sworn against, or by not doing that which was sworn to be done. Some scholars are of the view that the breach occurs merely by intending to abandon that which was sworn upon, if no specific time limit was set for it. However, if the oath does not have a specific intention, then reference is made to common practice. As for swearing by divorce, divorce occurs by it according to the majority of scholars if the sworn-upon act takes place. Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah is of the view that the ruling on swearing by divorce, when the intention is not to effect a divorce, but rather to threaten or emphasize a matter, is the same as an oath made by Allah. So, if the sworn-upon act occurs, the swearer must offer expiation for an oath, and no divorce takes place. The preponderant view is that the breach of an oath does not occur if the sworn-upon act is done forgetfully, whether the oath was by divorce or by Allah. Swearing by divorce should be avoided, as it is disliked or forbidden by some scholars, and what is prescribed is to swear by Allah.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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