27/3. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 1650b — Expiate and Do Better
It is recommended for the one who swears an oath then sees that something else is better than it; To do that which is better and offer expiation for his oath
Oath Expiation Hadith: Expiate and Do What Is Better
Sahih Muslim : 1650b
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 1650b
وَحَدَّثَنِي أَبُو الطَّاهِرِ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ وَهْبٍ، أَخْبَرَنِي مَالِكٌ، عَنْ سُهَيْلِ بْنِ أَبِي، صَالِحٍ عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " مَنْ حَلَفَ عَلَى يَمِينٍ فَرَأَى غَيْرَهَا خَيْرًا مِنْهَا فَلْيُكَفِّرْ عَنْ يَمِينِهِ وَلْيَفْعَلْ " .
Abu Hurairah Narrated from:
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: He who took an oath and then found another thing better than (this) should expiate for the oath (broken) by him and do (the better thing).
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1650bIn-book reference : Book 27, Hadith 19USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 15, Hadith 4053
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 1650b
This concise oath expiation hadith gives the rule in a clear sentence. Abu Huraira reports that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said that whoever takes an oath and then finds another thing better than it should expiate for the broken oath and do the better thing. The wording is short, so the explanation should stay close to it. It does not list the details of expiation here; it simply connects two actions: expiate and do what is better. For people searching hadith about breaking an oath, kafarah for oath, or do what is better hadith, this narration is a direct source. It teaches that a good choice should not be blocked by a previous oath.
What we learn from this hadith
- An oath may be left when a better action becomes clear.
- The hadith links breaking the oath with expiation.
- The better action should be done rather than ignored.
- The wording is direct and should not be stretched beyond its statement.
