What is the ruling on breaking an oath sworn with the condition 'unless God wills'?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Oaths

Book 59 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If one swears an oath, such as saying, 'By God, I will drink today, unless God wills' or 'I will not drink unless God wills,' the oath is not broken whether the action is performed or omitted. This principle applies equally whether the exception ('unless God wills') is stated before or after the main clause of the oath. For example, if one says, 'By God, if God wills, I will not drink today,' or 'I will drink today,' and then either performs or omits the action, the oath is not violated because the precedence or postponement of the condition does not change the ruling. This is analogous to the rule established regarding affirmation.