Does delaying fulfillment invalidate an oath if the task is extensive?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Expiations

Book 60 · Issue 2 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If one commences counting, measuring by volume, or weighing, and the fulfillment is delayed due to the large quantity, the oath is not violated because the person has not abandoned the fulfillment. Similarly, if one swears to eat a specific amount of food at a specific time and begins eating within that time, but the completion is delayed due to the quantity, the oath is not violated. This is because consuming the entirety within that brief time is impossible; thus, the oath refers to commencing the action or coinciding the beginning of the action with that time, given the inability to complete more.