What is the expiation (Kaffarah) for a broken oath in Islam?

The Kaffarah for an intentionally broken oath, based on Quran 5:89, is to choose one of three options: feed ten needy people an average meal, clothe ten needy people, or free a slave. If one is financially unable to do any of these, they must fast for three days.

How much food do you give for a broken oath?

For a broken oath, you must feed ten poor individuals. Many scholars quantify this as the amount equivalent to Sadaqat al-Fitr for each person, which is approximately 1.5 to 2 kilograms of a staple food like wheat or rice. Alternatively, one can provide two full meals.

Can I fast instead of feeding the poor for a broken oath?

Fasting for three days is only permissible if you are financially unable to feed or clothe ten poor people. The Quran (5:89) establishes a clear sequence: the charitable options must be considered first. If you can afford one of them, fasting will not fulfill the expiation.

Atonement for Broken Oaths (Kaffarah) in Islam

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atonement for broken ones

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🕌Al-Ma'idah5:89

At a Glance

According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, the Atonement for a Broken Oath (Kaffarat al-Ayman) is a divinely legislated act of expiation outlined in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 89. Classical jurists, particularly Al-Qurtubi in his legal tafsir, explain that this Kaffarah is obligatory for one who intentionally breaks a solemn oath sworn by Allah. The linguistic analysis from Al-Tabari shows the root 'k-f-r' means 'to cover,' indicating the Kaffarah spiritually 'covers' the sin. The process provides a choice between three acts of social welfare: feeding ten needy individuals, clothing them, or (historically) freeing a slave. Only if one lacks the financial means for these options does the concession of fasting for three days become valid. This structure, unanimously upheld by scholars, highlights Islam's emphasis on social responsibility, mercy, and providing a clear path for spiritual rectification.

📖 Quranic Context

A key legislative ruling that combines spiritual rectification with social welfare, demonstrating Allah's mercy.

Provides a clear, divinely sanctioned path for believers to atone for breaking a deliberate promise made to Allah, thus restoring their spiritual integrity.

References: The specific ruling is detailed in Quran, Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 89.

💭 Theological Perspective

Recognizes human fallibility and the potential to break commitments, offering a structured path to repentance and rectification.

Acts as a mechanism to alleviate guilt and restore spiritual balance after a transgression.

Serves as a practical example of divine mercy and justice, balancing personal responsibility with compassionate alternatives.

Encourages mindfulness (Taqwa) regarding oaths and commitments, making believers more conscious of their words.

📜 Hadith Perspective

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) elaborated on the practical aspects of Kaffarah, such as the amounts of food to be given.

The expiation for a vow is the same as the expiation for an oath.
Prophetic guidance on finding better alternatives to a sworn oath and then expiating for it.

Universal agreement among all schools of Islamic law on the obligation of Kaffarah for intentionally broken oaths, based on the clear injunction in Quran 5:89.

💎 Deeper Insights

The phrase 'from the average of what you feed your own families' (min awsaṭi mā tuṭ`imūna ahlīkum) is a gem of social dignity. As Al-Qurtubi explains, it prevents the giver from offering the cheapest possible food, ensuring the poor are fed with a level of respect and quality, tying the act of atonement directly to the giver's own standard of living.

— Al-Qurtubi

Kaffarah functions as a 'spiritual circuit breaker.' A broken oath creates a spiritual imbalance. The ruling in 5:89 doesn't just penalize; it reroutes the negative energy of the broken promise into a positive, community-building act (charity) or a personal act of discipline (fasting), effectively breaking the cycle of sin and turning it into an opportunity for good deeds and divine mercy.

— Ibn Qayyim (in concept), Ibn Kathir

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At a Glance

📖 Quranic Context

💭 Theological Perspective

📜 Hadith Perspective

💎 Deeper Insights

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