What constitutes a condiment (Idam) when one swears an oath not to eat condiments?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Expiations

Book 60 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If a person swears an oath not to eat condiments (Adum), they break their oath by consuming anything customarily eaten with bread. This includes liquids used for dipping, such as cooked foods, broth, vinegar, oil, ghee, sesame oil, and milk. Evidence for this includes Allah's statement regarding oil: "and oil, a source of light for those who eat" (Quran 23:20). Furthermore, the Prophet, peace be upon him, stated, "Excellent is vinegar as a condiment," and commanded, "Eat oil and apply it, for it is from a blessed tree," as narrated by Ibn Majah. It also includes solids such as roasted meat (shawaa), cheese, broad beans, olives, and eggs. This view is held by Al-Shafi'i and Abu Thawr.

Supporting text

The view of Abu Hanifa and Abu Yusuf is that anything not used for dipping or coloring food (i.e., not acting as a sauce) is not considered a condiment because each item can be brought to the mouth individually.