What Should I Do About My Oath to Not Watch Movies?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
I have a question regarding taking an Oath to Allah. A few weeks ago, I was sick and swore to Allah that I wouldn’t watch movies. Now I wonder whether this Oath I took is valid. For example, I said I did not want to watch movies and took an oath on it. my problem is that I am still determining if the oath I took was either I don’t want to watch movies, or I don’t want to watch movies in the cinema.
Regardless, I broke my oath and fed ten poor people. Do I have to keep feeding ten poor people every time I break my oath on some website? I read that once you have expiated by feeding ten poor people, that oath you took goes away.
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.
You stated that you have already paid the expiation for breaking the oath, so nothing else needs to be done about it, and Allah knows best.
The oath is lifted once the expiation is fulfilled, and you are no longer bound by it. You are not required to repeatedly feed ten poor people each time you break the same oath. However, taking your oaths seriously and not making them lightly is essential. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) cautioned against making numerous oaths, as excessive swearing may diminish the significance of one’s words.
Furthermore, while movies and entertainment can have value when they are free from unlawful elements and promote knowledge, virtue, and positive messages, it is wise to be mindful of how you spend your time.
The Quran advises us not to waste our resources, including time, and that we are responsible for what we consume through our eyes, ears, and hearts: “And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart – about all those [one] will be questioned.” [Quran, 17:36]
Engaging in activities that benefit your faith, personal development, and the well-being of yourself and others is encouraged. Allah knows best.
I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.
