What is the ruling on swearing an oath that Allah curses the swearer, cuts off their hand, or curses them, if a prohibited action is performed?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Oaths

Book 59 · Issue 3 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If a person swears that if they commit a certain act, then 'May Allah degrade him' (Akhzahu Allah), or 'May Allah cut off his hand,' or 'May Allah curse him,' and they fulfill the condition (Hanith), no expiation is due upon them. This is the stated position of Ahmad, supported by 'Ata, Al-Thawri, Abu 'Ubayd, and the Ashab ar-Ra'y (the Companions of the School of Opinion). The basis for this ruling is that the oath does not necessitate disbelief (Kufr), making it analogous to the case where one swears they erased the Mus'haf.

Supporting text

Al-Tawus, Al-Layth, and Al-Awza'i (specifically when the oath involves 'May the curse of Allah be upon him') maintain that expiation is obligatory in these instances.