Taking an oath that one will become a kaafir if one breaks the oath
Question
What are the consequences of an oath of disbelief? If a women takes an oath saying “if I do this or do not do this, I will become a kafir forever”. If she breaks the oath will she become a kafir?
Answer
One should refrain from making such serious statements. However, through breaking the oath, the kaffarah for breaking the oath will become compulsory and one will not become a kaafir. This law is in the case where one had knowledge of the Islamic ruling that such a statement constitutes an oath and through breaking it kaffarah becomes compulsory and one does not become a kaafir. However, if at the time of taking the oath one was ignorant of the Islamic ruling and one believed that he will become a kaafir if he breaks the oath, then through breaking the oath he will become a kaafir.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
- Answered by
- Mufti Zakaria Makada
- Checked & approved by
- Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
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