Does an oath sworn using a definite name of Allah require expiation upon breaking it?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Oaths
Primary text
The scholars are in agreement that if a person swears by a proper name of Allah—such as 'Wallahi,' 'Billahi,' or 'Tallahi'—and then breaks the oath (*hanith*), expiation is due. This consensus is reported by Ibn Al-Mundhir, and the view is attributed to Malik, Al-Shafi'i, Abu Ubayd, Abu Thawr, and the scholars of *Al-Ra'y*. This applies specifically to names exclusive to Allah.
Supporting text
Names of Allah are categorized into three types: those exclusive to Him (like 'Allah,' 'Al-Rahman'), where any oath is binding; names that can be used metaphorically for others but revert to Allah upon general utterance (like 'Al-Khaliq,' 'Al-Razzaq'), making the oath binding unless the speaker explicitly intends a non-divine entity (Al-Shafi'i's position); and names shared by Allah and others without default reference to Him (like 'Al-Hayy,' 'Al-'Alim'), which only count as an oath if the speaker intends Allah's name.