Most-asked question

What is the kaffaarah for breaking an oath?

139 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 6 South African Darul Iftas (Mufti Online, AskImam, Azaadville, Ibn Masood, Camperdown, Jamiat KZN). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.

Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.

Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.

What the Darul Iftas say

“In order to absolve him of the oath he had taken, it is permissible for him to discharge kaffaarah on behalf of each oath that he had broken. The kaffarah is to feed 10 poor people two meals or give them the amount of sadaqatul fitr (i.e.”

Mufti Online — Kaffarah for breaking an oath · 4 Jul 2021

“One should give the kaffarah (penance) of a broken vow immediately. If one were to delay it, he will be sinful. The kaffarah will always be binding until it is fulfilled.”

AskImam — Should one give Kaffarah (penance) of a broken oath immediately? · 15 Sep 2025

“In the enquired scenario, due to breaching an oath, she will be obliged to expiate for it. Kaffaratul-Yameen (the expiation for breaching an oath) is to feed 10 needy people two meals (it is also permitted to give the amount of Sadaqatul-Fitr to 10 needy people and this will cover up for the two meals which would otherwise have …”

Azaadville — The Kaffaarah (Penalty) For Breaking An Oath · 7 Apr 2026

“In the inquired scenario, no Kaffaarah will be necessary, as this is merely a promise to refrain from doing something. However, if the name of Allah or His attributes was taken, such as by saying “Wallaahi”, then such a statement will be regarded as a Yameen (oath).”

Camperdown — Ruling and Kaffarah for a Verbal Promise · 18 Dec 2025

Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.

Read the fatawa

  1. Giving kaffarah for breaking an oath Mufti Online · 8 Oct 2026
  2. The Kaffaarah (Penalty) For Breaking An Oath Azaadville · 7 Apr 2026
  3. Ruling and Kaffarah for a Verbal Promise Camperdown · 18 Dec 2025
  4. Should one give Kaffarah (penance) of a broken oath immediately? AskImam · 15 Sep 2025
  5. Kaffarah for breaking an oath Ibn Masood · 29 Nov 2023
  6. The penalty for breaking an oath Jamiat KZN · 15 Mar 2010
  7. Giving two sandwiches as kaffarah for breaking an oath Mufti Online · 21 Sep 2025
  8. Acting Against (Breaking) An Oath Azaadville · 23 Dec 2024
  9. Does the writing of a representative break the oath? Camperdown · 24 Apr 2024
  10. Can a person pay Kaffarah for vows/oaths they took? AskImam · 16 Jul 2025
  11. Kaffarah for not fulfilling a number of vows Ibn Masood · 15 Sep 2022
  12. Discharging kaffarah of an oath according to the rate of sadaqatul fitr in one's country Mufti Online · 15 Oct 2023
  13. Kaffaarah For Breaking An Oath Azaadville · 22 Jan 2024
  14. How do i pay Kaffarah for an oath i have broken? AskImam · 20 May 2020
  15. Kaffarah for breaking an oath Mufti Online · 4 Jul 2021

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