How to repent from breaking many oaths?

Summary

In this episode, the discussion centers around the Islamic understanding of oaths, specifically addressing concerns raised by Sister Sabrina from the United Arab Emirates. The conversation delves into the consequences of breaking an oath, distinguishing between repeated oaths about a single issue versus multiple distinct oaths. It explains that only one expiation (kuffara) is required for multiple oaths broken on the same matter, while separate expiations are needed for different oaths. The concept of kuffara is further broken down into options like feeding the poor, clothing them, or fasting, providing a practical guide for Muslims seeking to rectify broken oaths and fulfill their spiritual obligations.

Takeaways

• 🕌 The discussion involves addressing a question about breaking oaths and how to repair them, as asked by Sister Sabrina from the United Arab Emirates.
• 📜 Breaking an oath requires performing a Kuffara (expiation) as a form of repair, which is a fundamental concept in Islamic teachings.
• 🚭 An example given was of a smoker repeatedly swearing by Allah to quit smoking and then breaking the oath, illustrating the need for Kuffara.
• 🔍 If multiple oaths concern the same subject and are broken without previous violations, only one Kuffara is required.
• 🔄 However, if oaths are broken after multiple violations without paying Kuffara, then each violation requires a separate Kuffara.
• 🎲 Different oaths (on different matters) each require their own Kuffara if violated, emphasizing the seriousness of making varied commitments.
• 🤔 In cases where the exact number of broken oaths is forgotten, one must make an effort to estimate and possibly pay extra Kuffara to ensure compliance.
• 📖 The importance of intention behind an oath is highlighted, with unintentional oaths not requiring Kuffara, according to Islamic teachings.
• ✅ The types of Kuffara include feeding or clothing ten poor people, freeing a slave, or fasting for three days if one is unable to afford the first options.
• 🔄 The flexibility in fulfilling Kuffara allows for fasting as an alternative for those who cannot financially perform the other acts of expiation.

Q & A

What does one need to do if they break an oath according to the transcript?

If someone breaks an oath, they owe a kaffara (expiation), which is a specific act of atonement as prescribed in Islamic law.

If multiple oaths are made about the same thing, how many kaffaras are owed upon breaking them?

Only one kaffara is owed if multiple oaths are made about the same thing and then broken.

What should be done if oaths about different matters are broken?

If oaths about different matters are broken, one must make a special effort to estimate the number of times they have been violated and offer a kaffara for each violation.

How should one estimate the number of kaffaras if they cannot remember the exact number of oaths broken?

One should estimate the number of broken oaths approximately and consider giving a little extra to ensure all owed kaffaras are covered.

What is the significance of the kaffara in Islamic law?

The kaffara serves as an atonement to Allah for not fulfilling an oath, relieving the individual from the burden of their unfulfilled commitment.

What are the possible forms of kaffara mentioned in the transcript?

The forms of kaffara mentioned include feeding or clothing ten poor people, freeing a slave, or fasting for three days if one cannot afford the first two options.

Can the fasting days for kaffara be non-consecutive?

Yes, the fasting days for kaffara can be scattered, such as on Mondays and Thursdays, until the required number of days are completed.

What is the ruling on unintentional oaths according to the transcript?

Allah does not hold one accountable for oaths made without intention, emphasizing the importance of intention behind the oath.

What does the concept of 'Elia me no naka de' refer to in the context of oaths?

The concept refers to the intention and confirmation of one's intention to do or not to do something in the future, which is then bound by an oath.

What should one do if they are financially unable to perform the first two forms of kaffara?

If financially unable, one should fast for three days for each oath violated as an alternative form of kaffara.