Does returning to the place sworn against after departure invalidate the oath fulfillment?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Expiations

Book 60 · Issue 3 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

There are two narrations from Ahmad regarding returning after fulfilling the oath of departure. The first holds that returning does not incur any penalty (Hanith) because the oath was fulfilled by leaving, thereby dissolving the obligation. The second narration holds that returning constitutes breaking the oath (Hanith), based on the apparent intent to permanently abandon the place. This second view is specifically applicable if the context implies a need for permanent abandonment, or if the swearer intended continuity of avoidance.

Supporting text

If the context does not suggest an intent for permanent abandonment, the oath is interpreted strictly based on its literal text, which was fulfilled by the initial departure, thus the return does not break the oath.