If Two Oaths Are Broken, One Accidentally, One in Forgetfulness, Is Expiation Required for Both?
Hanafi Fiqh
Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Question
If two separate oaths are broken — one accidentally, one out of forgetfulness — is each a real breaking of an oath in the Hanafi school, and is kaffara required for both?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate.
May Allah keep you in well-being and faith. Thank you for reaching out with your question.
In the Hanafi school, if an oath is broken by accident or out of forgetfulness, expiation (kaffara) is still required. The scholars explain that what matters is the act itself, not whether you remembered or intended it at the time.
Therefore, if two oaths are broken, each requires its own kaffara. They are not combined into one.
Allah Most High says, “Allah will not take you to task for thoughtlessly uttered oaths, but rather for swearing binding oaths, the expiation for breaking which is to feed ten unfortunates the usual fare you feed your own families, or to clothe them, or to free a slave; So whoever finds no means to do any of these, then to fast three days.” [Quran 5:89; Keller, The Quran Beheld]
Imam Mawsuli explains that whoever does the act they swore not to do—whether willingly, under pressure, or out of forgetfulness—has broken the oath. The wording of the oath is what binds, not whether one remembers at the time. [Mawsuli, al-Ikhtiyar Sharh al-Mukhtar]
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Whoever swears an oath and then sees something better than it, let him do that which is better and expiate for his oath.” [Muslim] The Sunna keeps the oath weighty enough to be honored, and the kaffara accessible enough to be discharged.
Fulfill Both Kaffaras, and Find Relief
Fulfill both kaffaras, whether together or one after the other. The expiation is a means of purification and relief. Take the opportunity that Allah has given you through His law.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani
Related
- The Kaffara of an Oath: Hanafi Procedure
- What Counts as a Binding Oath (Yamin)?
- How to Discharge Multiple Kaffaras
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.
Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.
In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.
Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.
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Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.
