Oath & Iskat Expiation

The breaking of any type of binding oath requires expiation (kaffara). Normally, expiation is paid after the oath is broken. Scholars unanimously agree that expiation paid after an oath is broken is valid.

According to the Hanafi school, expiation must always be paid after the oath is broken — paying before is not permissible.

According to the Shafi'i school, if expiation is paid with wealth, it may be paid before the oath is broken. According to the Hanbali and Maliki schools, expiation may be paid either before or after the oath is broken.

The oath expiation is: freeing a slave if able, or feeding ten poor people morning and evening, or clothing ten poor people in the customary manner. One may choose among these three. If unable, one fasts three consecutive days.

Based on Al-Ma'idah 5/89. For details visit sorularlaislamiyet.com.