35/16. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 3791 — Correct an Oath with a Better Action
Expiation After Breaking An Oath
Correcting an Oath by Doing What Is Better
Sunan an-Nasai : 3791
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 3791
أَخْبَرَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ قُدَامَةَ، فِي حَدِيثِهِ عَنْ جَرِيرٍ، عَنْ مَنْصُورٍ، عَنِ الْحَسَنِ الْبَصْرِيِّ، قَالَ عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ سَمُرَةَ قَالَ لِي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " إِذَا حَلَفْتَ عَلَى يَمِينٍ فَرَأَيْتَ غَيْرَهَا خَيْرًا مِنْهَا فَأْتِ الَّذِي هُوَ خَيْرٌ وَكَفِّرْ عَنْ يَمِينِكَ " .
'Abdur-Rahman bin Samurah Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah said to me: 'If you swear an oath, then you see something that is better, do that which is better, and offer expiation for your oath.'
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 3791In-book reference : Book 35, Hadith 31English translation : Vol. 4, Book 35, Hadith 3822
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 3791
This hadith teaches that an oath should not lock a person into a less suitable action. The Messenger of Allah told 'Abdur-Rahman bin Samurah that if he swore an oath and then saw something better, he should do the better thing and offer expiation for the oath. The statement gives a responsible way to correct a decision. It begins with seeing that another course is better, not simply changing direction without reason. It then requires action on that better choice. Finally, it keeps the oath serious by requiring kaffarah. This is the central meaning behind common searches such as Islamic oath rules, breaking an oath for something better, and expiation for a broken oath. The believer is guided to improve the action while also fulfilling the responsibility created by the oath.
What we learn from this hadith
- A person may correct an earlier decision when a better course appears.
- The better action should be carried out.
- The oath should be addressed through expiation.
- Changing course should be based on what is better, not mere impulse.
