What is the ruling if a person says "I swore an oath" (Halift) but did not actually swear?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Oaths
Primary text
If a person states, "I swore an oath" (Halift), but no actual oath was taken, the ruling is that it constitutes a lie, and no expiation (Kaffarah) is due. This is the primary position, attributed to Ahmad (Hanbal). The reasoning is that this pronouncement relates to a matter between the individual and God, and lying about having performed an act does not obligate the consequence of that act, similar to saying "I did not pray" when one actually did pray.
Supporting text
Another view holds that expiation is due because the person has made a self-incrimination. However, the primary view is favored because the statement is a mere report concerning an act that did not occur, thus not triggering the legal consequence.