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Kaffarah for Breaking an Oath
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Kaffarah for Breaking an Oath

Learn the rules of Kaffarah for breaking an oath, including required actions, options for compensation, and how to fulfil this obligation correctly.

In Islam, words spoken with intention carry weight. When a person swears by Allah to do something or avoid an action, that statement becomes a binding commitment. Islam values truthfulness and responsibility, so breaking that commitment on purpose is not treated lightly. If the promise is deliberately broken, Islam requires Kaffarah for breaking an oath as a way to restore accountability and seek forgiveness.

Many people confuse oath-related expiation with the expiation connected to broken fasts. That confusion often grows during Ramadan because people are already thinking about worship and fasting rules. This guide explains Kaffarah for broken oath Islam, the Islamic ruling on broken oaths, and how to fulfil the obligation in the correct order. It also clarifies where fasting fits in, and when feeding or clothing is required instead.

What Is an Oath in Islam?

An oath in Islam is a deliberate statement made by invoking Allah’s name, with the intention of committing to a particular action or confirming something as true. Because Allah’s name is used, the person is making a serious promise, not just a casual statement.

A binding oath usually includes:

  • Clear intention to commit
  • Clear wording (not vague or joking)
  • Mention of Allah (explicitly or in a recognised form)

 

If a person says something without real intention, such as a habitual phrase or “wallahi” said casually, Islam does not treat that like a binding oath. This is why the Qur’an states that Allah does not hold people accountable for unintentional oaths. Intention matters.

When an oath is binding, it carries consequences if broken. That is why you may hear it referred to as a Kaffarah oath, meaning an oath that could require expiation if it is not kept.

Breaking an Oath in Islam

Breaking an oath in Islam means knowingly failing to fulfil a promise that was sworn by Allah. This includes breaking a promise in Islam where the oath was made deliberately, and the person later chooses to go against it.

Islam separates oath-breaking into three broad situations:

  • Deliberate breach: You made the oath intentionally and later broke it knowingly. This is where the Islamic oath of Kaffarah applies.
  • Unintentional breach: You forgot, misunderstood, or were forced. This is where there is no Kaffarah.
  • Idle speech: You spoke without serious intent, even if Allah’s name was mentioned. This usually does not create liability.

This careful approach protects people from unnecessary hardship and keeps the ruling fair. Only a deliberate breach leads to the obligation of oath expiation in Islam.

Qur’anic Basis for Kaffarah

The basis for expiation is established clearly in the Qur’an. The ruling is found in Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:89, where Allah explains that He does not hold people accountable for idle oaths, but He does hold people accountable for oaths made intentionally. When such an oath is broken, expiation becomes required.

This is why the Qur’anic foundation is so important: it sets the balance. Islam does not trap people with careless speech, but it does require responsibility when someone makes a serious commitment.

When Is Kaffarah Required?

Kaffarah obligation applies when all of the following are true:

  • The oath was made intentionally
  • Allah’s name was invoked
  • The person understood what they were doing
  • The oath was broken knowingly
  • There was no valid excuse that made fulfilment impossible

 

If someone was pressured, forced, or genuinely unable to keep the oath, the ruling changes. Islam does not demand what a person cannot do. That is why scholars emphasise checking intention, wording, and ability before deciding that expiation is required.

What Does Not Require Kaffarah?

Kaffarah is not required for:

  • Habitual phrases said without intention
  • Statements made in anger without firm resolve
  • Oaths broken unintentionally
  • Promises not sworn by Allah

This is a key part of the Kaffarah explanation. People often assume every “I swear” statement is binding. Islam does not treat it that way. Kaffarah is for deliberate, binding oaths.

Kaffarah Options for Breaking an Oath

Islam sets a clear order with specific options. You fulfil one option, but only in the correct sequence.

1) Feeding the poor

This is the most common option. It means feeding ten poor people. The food should be equivalent to an average meal in that place and time. This is commonly described as feeding the poor Kaffarah.

Practical ways people fulfil this include:

  • Providing ten cooked meals
  • Funding food parcels that equal ten meals
  • Supporting a trusted charity that distributes meals properly

 

Sometimes people see the phrase “feed 60 poor people.” For oath-related expiation, the standard requirement is ten. A figure like feeding 60 poor people might come up only if a person has multiple separate oaths that each require expiation. It is not the default for one broken oath.

2) Clothing the poor

The second option is to clothe ten poor people. This means providing clothing suitable for daily life and prayer. It should preserve dignity and be practical. This is often referred to as clothing the poor Kaffarah.

 

Charities may distribute clothing support to families in need rather than isolated individuals, while still meeting the requirement of serving eligible recipients.

3) Fasting

If a person truly cannot afford to feed or clothe themselves, they may move to fasting. This is Kaffarah fasting, sometimes described as fasting for Kaffarah. The requirement is three days of fasting.

 

This is important: fasting here is not the first option. It is permitted only when a person genuinely cannot fulfil the feeding or clothing requirements. That sequencing is part of the Kaffarah Islamic ruling.

Fasting for Kaffarah vs Fasting in Ramadan

People often mix the oath Kaffarah with fasting-related expiation. They are not the same.

Oath-related expiation:

  • Can be fulfilled by feeding, clothing, or fasting for three days
  • Is separate from Ramadan fasts
  • Does not require “60 consecutive days”

 

Fasting-related expiation is a different category and applies to certain cases of deliberately breaking a Ramadan fast. If someone broke an oath while fasting or during Ramadan, the oath ruling does not change. The expiation remains the same: feed ten, clothe ten, or fast three days if unable.

Multiple Oaths and How Kaffarah Applies

If you make one oath and break it, you complete one expiation. But if multiple oaths were made, the ruling can change depending on whether they refer to the same matter.

General guidance:

  • If repeated oaths relate to the same matter, one expiation may cover it
  • If separate oaths relate to different matters, each may require expiation

This is why the Islamic ruling on broken oaths often depends on the exact wording and intention.

Kaffarah in the UK

For many Muslims, the practical challenge is not understanding the ruling, but fulfilling it properly. In the UK, Kaffarah UK options make fulfilment easier because charities can organise food distribution and ensure that eligible recipients receive support.

You might see terms like Kaffarah payments or Kaffarah donation UK. These refer to structured ways of fulfilling the obligation through feeding or clothing, especially for people who cannot organise distribution themselves. Done correctly, this keeps the ruling accurate while ensuring dignity for recipients.

Fulfilling Kaffarah Through Islamic Help

Many people choose Islamic Help Kaffarah to complete expiation with confidence. As an established charity, Islamic Help can support donors by:

  • Applying the correct Kaffarah order
  • Ensuring food reaches eligible recipients
  • Distributing with dignity and fairness
  • Maintaining governance and accountability

 

This matters because oath expiation is not only about “giving something.” It must be done in line with the ruling, so the obligation is properly fulfilled. Using a trusted charity supports both correctness and impact.

Why Kaffarah Matters

Kaffarah is not a penalty meant to crush people. It is a route back to responsibility. Through Kaffarah compensation, Islam turns a mistake into an act of worship that benefits others.

It encourages people to be careful with oaths, to speak truthfully, and to avoid treating Allah’s name casually. When fulfilled sincerely, praise be to Allah, a broken commitment can become a moment of growth and charity.

FAQs:

  • What is Kaffarah for breaking an oath?
    Kaffarah for breaking an oath is a required expiation when a deliberate oath sworn by Allah is knowingly broken. It involves feeding or clothing ten poor people, or fasting three consecutive days if those options are unaffordable. Kaffarah restores accountability and fulfils the religious obligation.
  • Does every oath require Kaffarah if broken?
    No. Kaffarah applies only to deliberate and binding oaths. Idle speech, habitual expressions, or statements made without firm intention do not require Kaffarah if broken. Islam holds people accountable only for intentional commitments, not casual or unintentional statements.
  • Can Kaffarah be fasting instead of feeding the poor?
    Fasting is allowed only when a person genuinely cannot afford to feed or clothe ten poor people. If financial means exist, feeding or clothing must be chosen first. Fasting for three consecutive days is a last resort, not an equal alternative.
  • How many people must be fed for Kaffarah?
    Kaffarah requires feeding ten poor people with food equivalent to an average meal. This must be done for each binding oath that is broken. The intention is to support those in need while fulfilling the obligation correctly and respectfully.
  • Can one Kaffarah cover more than one oath?
    If multiple oaths are made about the same matter and broken, one Kaffarah may be sufficient. However, separate oaths made about different matters usually require separate Kaffarah. The wording and intention of each oath determine this ruling.
  • Why give Kaffarah through Islamic Help?
    Islamic Help provides a reliable way to fulfil Kaffarah by ensuring food reaches eligible recipients in line with Islamic guidance. Donating through a trusted charity allows obligations to be completed accurately, ethically, and with confidence that support reaches those in need.
  • How does Islamic Help distribute Kaffarah?
    Islamic Help works with experienced field teams to distribute Kaffarah responsibly. Food is delivered to eligible individuals, following Islamic rulings and ethical standards. Clear oversight ensures the obligation is fulfilled correctly and recipients are treated with dignity.
  • Is Islamic Help transparent with Kaffarah donations?
    Yes. Islamic Help prioritises transparency and accountability in all charitable activities. Kaffarah donations are managed with clear governance, ensuring funds are used appropriately and obligations are fulfilled in accordance with Islamic principles and UK charity standards.

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