35/15. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 3781 — Do What Is Better After an Oath
Expiation Before Breaking An Oath
Breaking an Oath in Islam When a Better Choice Appears
Sunan an-Nasai : 3781
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 3781
أَخْبَرَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ عَلِيٍّ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى، عَنْ عُبَيْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ الأَخْنَسِ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ شُعَيْبٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ جَدِّهِ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " مَنْ حَلَفَ عَلَى يَمِينٍ فَرَأَى غَيْرَهَا خَيْرًا مِنْهَا فَلْيُكَفِّرْ عَنْ يَمِينِهِ وَلْيَأْتِ الَّذِي هُوَ خَيْرٌ " .
'Amr bin Shu'aib Narrated from:
'Amr bin Shu'aib narrated from his father, from his grandfather, that the Messenger of Allah said: "Whoever swears an oath, then sees something better than it, let him do that which is better."
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 3781In-book reference : Book 35, Hadith 21English translation : Vol. 4, Book 35, Hadith 3812
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 3781
This short hadith gives direct guidance about breaking an oath in Islam. A person may swear to follow one course, then later understand that another option is better. The instruction is not to stay tied to the first choice simply because words were spoken. Instead, the person should do what is better and offer expiation for the oath. The hadith joins two responsibilities: choosing the better action and dealing properly with the oath. It does not present stubbornness as faithfulness. It presents correction as the right response when a better path becomes clear. For anyone searching for a hadith about oath expiation, the wording is simple and practical. Review the situation honestly, leave the less suitable course, carry out the better action, and fulfill the duty connected to the broken oath.
What we learn from this hadith
- A person should reconsider an oath when a better option becomes clear.
- Choosing the better action is part of the instruction.
- The broken oath should be followed by expiation.
- Keeping an oath is not a reason to reject a clearly better course.
