Does fulfilling an oath require completing the entire specified action?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Expiations

Book 60 · Issue 3 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If one swears to perform an action, the oath is not fulfilled until the entirety of the action is performed. If one swears not to perform an action and speaks generally (absolutely), there are two narrations concerning whether performing part of it constitutes violating the oath. If the intention was to perform the entirety, or if the oath implies it, the oath is not violated unless the entire action is performed.

Supporting text

If the intention was to perform only part of the action, or if the oath implies it, the oath is violated by performing the part, according to one narration.