Breaking a promise (oath) to Allah in Islam requires seeking forgiveness and paying Kaffarah (atonement).
Understanding the Kaffarah
When someone breaks a promise or oath made in the name of Allah, they are obligated to perform an act of atonement known as Kaffarah. This serves as a way to seek Allah's forgiveness and rectify the broken promise.
How to Perform Kaffarah
The Kaffarah for breaking a promise involves:
- Seeking Forgiveness: The first and foremost step is to sincerely ask Allah for forgiveness (Istighfar) for breaking the oath.
- Feeding the Poor: The individual must feed ten needy people.
- Cost: The reference suggests an amount equivalent to feeding 10 people at a rate of $5 per person. Therefore, the total cost would be $50.
Summary
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Seek Forgiveness | Ask Allah sincerely for forgiveness. |
| 2. Feed the Poor | Feed ten needy people. |
| 3. Cost | Approximately $50 (or equivalent food value). |
It is essential to remember that intentions are crucial in Islam. If a person makes a promise with the sincere intention of fulfilling it but is unable to do so due to circumstances beyond their control, they may not be held accountable in the same way as someone who deliberately breaks their promise. However, seeking forgiveness is always recommended.
