The Implications of Oaths and Vows in Muslim Life

Oath and vow are two forms of verbal declaration that hold a distinctive position in Islamic law because both create legal and moral obligations upon the person who utters them. This article examines the jurisprudential provisions concerning oath and vow through a literature study of classical and contemporary fiqh works, particularly Sayyid Sabiq in Fiqh Sunnah, hadith narrated by Bukhari and Muslim, and the views of Imam Syafii in al-Umm. The study elaborates the definition, legal basis, categories, and consequences of oath and vow grounded in authentic Quranic verses and hadith. The findings show that oath in Islam is classified into several categories with distinct legal consequences, ranging from oaths that require expiation to oaths that generate no obligation at all. Vow is explained as a Muslim promise to perform an act of worship or obedience that is originally not obligatory, which becomes binding once pronounced. Fulfilling a vow becomes a religious obligation as long as the object of the vow falls within permissible acts and does not contradict Islamic law. This study is expected to provide a comprehensive understanding for Muslims regarding the proper conduct of oath and vow in accordance with the guidance of ahlus sunnah wal jamaah.