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Fatwa CenterDelaying the fast of oath expiation until one is able to observe it
Question
I have promised Allaah, with a sincere intention, not to do anything which He Has Prohibited. But, unfortunately, I failed to keep my promise. The last time, I swore thrice on the Mus-haf not to commit what is unlawful, but I did. What is the ruling on that? Indeed, I am regretful for that. I asked Allaah The Almighty for forgiveness and performed the Istighfaar (asking for forgiveness) prayer. What should I do so that my Lord Would Forgive me? Is there any expiation for that? If there is, what is it? If it is fasting, is there any alternative? I am about to give birth and enter into the post-partum period and, at the same time, I do not like to delay the expiation of my oath and promise which I have failed to keep. Please advise me soon and supplicate for me that my Lord Would Forgive me.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
We ask Allaah to Forgive and to Guide us and you, and to Help us and you turn to Him in sincere repentance. Sins are removed by sincere repentance, remorse, doing many good deeds and seeking forgiveness frequently. In confirmation, Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):
· {Your Lord Has Decreed upon Himself mercy: that any of you who does wrong out of ignorance and then repents after that and corrects himself – indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful.} [Quran 6:54]
· {But whoever repents after his wrongdoing and reforms, indeed, Allaah Will Turn to him in forgiveness. Indeed, Allaah is Forgiving and Merciful.} [Quran 5:39]
· {But indeed, I am the Perpetual Forgiver of whoever repents and believes and does righteousness and then continues in guidance.} [Quran 20:82]
As for the expiation of your oath which you have broken, before you take resort to fasting you should first do your best to do any of the following three: to feed ten needy persons, clothe them, or free a slave. If you fail to do any of these, then a fast of three days becomes due upon you according to the Statement of Allaah (which means): {Allaah Will not Impose blame upon you for what is meaningless in your oaths, but He Will Impose blame upon you for [breaking] what you intended of oaths. So its expiation is the feeding of ten needy people from the average of that which you feed your [own] families or clothing them or the freeing of a slave. But whoever cannot find [or afford it] – then a fast of three days [is required]. That is the expiation for oaths when you have sworn. But guard your oaths. Thus Does Allah Make clear to you His verses that you may be grateful.} [Quran 5:89]
If you are unable to fast out of fear for your unborn child, there is nothing wrong with delaying the fast until you are able to observe it.
Allaah Knows best.
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