Taking a false oath

Q: One day we received guests and when my mother was making them breakfast, she broke a part of the knife. When my father asked her about that, she took an oath that nothing happened out of her fear of him. Later, she told him the truth. Now, my mother is asking about the ruling on false oath in general and on her case in particular.

A: Your mother is a sinner for swearing falsely. She has to ask Allah (Exalted be He) for forgiveness and resolve not to do that again. She does not have to offer Kaffarah (expiation).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.