Taking an oath that his wife will be unlawful to him if he ever plays volleyball again
Q: A volleyball player one day became angry and took an oath that makes his wife unlawful to him, i.e.,
he said, “She will be unlawful to me if I play this sport in the center.” he is afraid that he might play there again. What will the ruling be if he plays there again?
A: First:
One ought not to be preoccupied with this or other similar sports. It is better for a Muslim to be concerned with what will benefit them in their religion and worldly life.
Second:
If the reality is as you mentioned, if you continue to avoid it, which is preferable for you, you are required to do nothing and it will not affect your relationship with your wife. But if you return, you must make Kaffarah (expiation) for your broken oath, which is to feed ten poor people, giving each one a full meal from the average food that you usually eat. It will also suffice the purpose if you give each of them half a Sa‘ (1 Sa‘ = 2.172 kg) of the staple food of your area, or clothe ten poor people, or free a believing slave. If you cannot do this, you must observe Sawm (Fasting) for three consecutive days, as Allah (Exalted be He) says: (Part No. 20; Page No. 83)
O Prophet! Why do you forbid (for yourself) that which Allâh has allowed to you, seeking to please your wives? And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Allâh has already ordained for you (O men) the absolution from your oaths.
Allah (Glorified be He) also 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).
You also have to make Tawbah (repentance to Allah) from this, as it is not permissible for a Muslim to take an oath to regard what is lawful as unlawful. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and his Companions.