The expiation for a vow is the same as the expiation for an oath

Islam > Hadiths > Jurisprudence and juristic principles > Jurisprudence and Juristic Principles

Hadith narrated by Narrated by Muslim

Authenticity grade : Authentic

Hadith text: The expiation for a vow is the same as the expiation fo…

عَنْ عُقْبَةَ بْنِ عَامِرٍ رَضيَ اللهُ عنه عَنْ رَسُولِ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: «كَفَّارَةُ النَّذْرِ كَفَّارَةُ اليَمِينِ».

‘Uqbah ibn ‘Āmir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "The expiation for a vow is the same as the expiation for an oath."

Explanation of the hadith: The expiation for a vow is the same as the expiation fo…

Lessons: The expiation for a vow is the same as the expiation fo…

• The vow: According to the Shariah, it is when a religiously accountable person voluntarily obligates himself to perform an act of worship for the sake of Allah Almighty.
• The expiation for an oath is to feed ten poor people, clothe them, or free a slave. If one is unable to do any of these, then he must fast for three days.
• The wisdom behind the expiation is that a Muslim should respect the vow, avoid breaking it, and not make vows carelessly or habitually.
• Types of the vow: 1. Unspecified vow: For example, saying, "I vow to Allah if I am cured," and then saying nothing further or intending no specific act-in this case, upon being cured, he must offer the expiation of an oath. 2. Vow of obstinacy or anger: This is when one makes a conditional vow, intending to prevent or compel an action-for example, (If I speak to you, it is due upon me to fast for a month. Its ruling: the person has the choice between fulfilling what he vowed or expiating with the expiation of an oath if he did the act (speech). 3. Permissible vow: Such as "I vow to Allah that I will wear my garment." Its ruling: he may choose between wearing the garment or offering the expiation of an oath. 4. Disliked vow: Such as "I vow to Allah that I will divorce my wife." Its ruling: it is recommended that he expiate for it and not act upon the vow; if he acted upon it, no expiation is required. 5. Sinful vow: Such as "I vow to Allah that I will steal." Its ruling: it is forbidden to fulfill such a vow, and he must expiate with the expiation of an oath; if he fulfills it, he sins, but no expiation is due. 6. Vow of obedience: Such as "I vow to Allah that I will pray such-and-such," intending nearness to Allah. If he makes it conditional-for instance, upon the recovery of a sick person-he must fulfill it if the condition occurs. If it is unconditional, he must fulfill it unspecifically.

Categories : Oaths and Vows