65/66.1. Chapter:
Sahih Bukhari 4911 — Expiation for an Oath
"O Prophet! Why do you forbid (for yourself) that which Allah has allowed to you?..." (V.66:1)
(66) Surat at-Tahreem (The Prohibition) (66) سورة التَّحْرِيمِ - بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Hadith About Oath Expiation and Following the Prophet’s Example
Sahih Bukhari : 4911
Sahih BukhariHadith Number 4911
حَدَّثَنَا مُعَاذُ بْنُ فَضَالَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا هِشَامٌ، عَنْ يَحْيَى، عَنِ ابْنِ حَكِيمٍ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ جُبَيْرٍ، أَنَّ ابْنَ عَبَّاسٍ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ قَالَ فِي الْحَرَامِ يُكَفِّرُ. وَقَالَ ابْنُ عَبَّاسٍ {لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ إِسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ}.
Ibn 'Abbas Narrated from:
If someone says to his wife, "You are unlawful to me." he must make an expiation (for his oath). Ibn `Abbas added: There is for you in Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), an excellent example to follow.
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 4911In-book reference : Book 65, Hadith 431USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 6, Book 60, Hadith 433
Summary of Sahih Bukhari Hadith 4911
This Hadith about oath expiation is short but important. Ibn Abbas was asked about a man who says to his wife that she is unlawful to him. He said that such a person must make expiation for his oath. Then Ibn Abbas mentioned the Qur’anic meaning that in Allah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم there is an excellent example to follow. The Hadith does not give a long story here, so the explanation should stay close to the wording. The main point is that words spoken in the form of making something unlawful have a religious weight. A person should not use such words carelessly, and when an oath is involved, expiation is required.
What we learn from this hadith
- Serious words between husband and wife should not be used lightly.
- Ibn Abbas connected the matter with expiation for an oath.
- The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم is presented as the example to follow.
