Swearing the wife will do something and her swearing not to do it

Q: I said to my wife, "By Allah! You have to do so and so.'' She replied in return, ''No, by Allah! I will not do it.'' And that was the end. (Part No. 23; Page No. 87) My question is: Would you please advise me whether I have to do anything for this. When I said "By Allah!" to my wife, I did not intend anything by it; it was just a normal oath. Please provide us with a Fatwa (legal opinion from a qualified Muslim scholar). May Allah prolong your life and the lives of all righteous scholars. Allah is the Only One Who grants success.


A: If your wife did not perform the Mashru‘ (Islamically acceptable) matter that you swore that she had to do, you have to offer Kaffarah (expiation) for your oath. This is to feed ten Miskin (needy people), giving each of them half a Sa‘ (1 Sa‘ = 2.172 kg) of wheat or rice, clothe them, or free a believing slave. If you are unable to do any of these things, you have to observe Sawm (Fasting) for three days. Allah (Exalted be He) says: Allâh will not punish you for what is unintentional in your oaths, but He will punish you for your deliberate oaths; for its expiation feed ten Masâkîn (poor persons), on a scale of the average of that with which you feed your own families, or clothe them or manumit a slave. But whosoever cannot afford (that), then he should fast for three days. That is the expiation for the oaths when you have sworn. And protect your oaths (i.e. do not swear much). May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.


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