Swearing by Allah never to buy a TV set

Q 1: A man has sworn by Allah (Exalted be He) that he will not buy a television as long as he lives. However, (Part No. 23; Page No. 68) an argument has taken place between him and his wife, who has left the house and went to her family with her children; the youngest is ten months and the oldest is two and half years old. The wife refuses to return to her husband unless he buys a television. What is the opinion in this regard?

A: If the husband does not buy a television, there is no blame on him and he does not need to offer Kaffarah (expiation) for an oath. If he buys it, he will be considered as having broken his oath and he has to offer Kaffarah. The required Kaffarah is to feed ten Miskins (needy persons) the average meal that he feeds his family. It is enough to give them five Sa` (1 Sa`=3 kg. Approx.) - each of them half a Sa` - of wheat, dates, rice, corn, or any of the staple food. If he cannot afford this, he must provide them with clothing or emancipate a believing slave. If he is unable to afford this, he must observe Sawm (Fast) for three days; and it is preferable to fast them consecutively.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.