What is the implication of the Quranic prohibition against breaking oaths after confirming them?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Oaths
Primary text
The statement, "And do not break your oaths after having confirmed them" (Quran 2:91), refers specifically to oaths related to covenants and pledges. This is evidenced by the preceding context mentioning fulfilling God's covenant. Fulfilling a covenant is obligatory even without an oath, making it more binding when an oath is involved. The prohibition against breaking the oath implies it is forbidden, and the condemnation attached to those who break them, likened to one whose yarn, after being spun strong, becomes loosened threads, applies here. The nullification of an oath that is subject to scholarly dispute does not fall under this prohibition.