35/16. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 3790 — Better Choice After an Oath
Expiation After Breaking An Oath
Oath Expiation When You Find a Better Option
Sunan an-Nasai : 3790
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 3790
أَخْبَرَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ عَلِيٍّ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ عَوْنٍ، عَنِ الْحَسَنِ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ سَمُرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ يَعْنِي رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " إِذَا حَلَفْتَ عَلَى يَمِينٍ فَرَأَيْتَ غَيْرَهَا خَيْرًا مِنْهَا فَأْتِ الَّذِي هُوَ خَيْرٌ مِنْهَا وَكَفِّرْ عَنْ يَمِينِكَ " .
'Abdur-Rahman bin Samurah Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah said: 'If you swear an oath, then you see something that is better, then do that which is better and offer expiation for your oath.'
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 3790In-book reference : Book 35, Hadith 30English translation : Vol. 4, Book 35, Hadith 3821
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 3790
This narration repeats an important prophetic rule about oaths. A person may swear to follow one choice and later see that another option is better. In that case, the instruction is to do the better action and offer expiation for the oath. The hadith is simple, but it corrects a common mistake: thinking that an oath always requires a person to stay with the first decision, even when a better path has become clear. Instead, the believer should combine better judgment with responsibility. The better action should be taken, and kaffarah should be made for the oath. This makes the hadith highly relevant to searches about oath expiation in Islam. It teaches that correction is allowed and directed, but the words of the oath are not treated carelessly or forgotten.
What we learn from this hadith
- Follow the better option when it becomes clear.
- Do not let an oath force you to remain with a poorer decision.
- Offer expiation for the oath.
- Better judgment should be joined with accountability.
