What is the ruling concerning an oath made regarding a future action that is not deliberately confirmed by the heart?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Oaths
Primary text
The opinion of the majority of scholars, including Ibn 'Abbas, Abu Hurayrah, Abu Malik, Zurarah ibn Awfa, Al-Hasan, Al-Nakha'i, and Malik, is that there is no expiation for an oath that passes over the tongue without deliberate intention, as it is considered *yamin al-laghw* (idle oath). This position is supported by the statement of Allah: "Allah will not hold you accountable for what is unintentional in your oaths, but He will hold you accountable for what you intended in your oaths" (Quran 5:89). This verse establishes that expiation is due only for oaths that incur accountability, thus excluding the idle oath.
Supporting text
An alternative view, held by some including Al-Nakha'i regarding an oath concerning a past belief later proven false, suggests expiation is due because the oath was taken by God alongside contradiction, which is one of the two types of oaths that are to be expiated according to Al-Thawri. A narration from Ahmad suggests expiation is due for an oath on a past event proven false, not considering it *yamin al-laghw*, because the oath by God occurred with contradiction, analogous to an oath regarding the future.