- Book of Oaths
Oaths fall into three categories: the yamin ghamus (perjurious oath), the yamin munʿaqida (binding oath), and the yamin laghw (idle oath).
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The yamin ghamus is to swear about a past event while deliberately lying. Such an oath is a grave sin, and no expiation is due for it other than seeking forgiveness.
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The yamin munʿaqida is an oath regarding a future matter—whether to do something or to refrain from it. If the person breaks this oath, expiation becomes obligatory.
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The yamin laghw is to swear about a past event while assuming it is as one states, whereas the reality is otherwise. We hope that Allah will not hold a person accountable for this type of oath.
Whether one swears intentionally, under coercion, or out of forgetfulness, the ruling is the same; and whoever carries out the very act he had sworn to avoid, even if coerced or forgetful, is likewise treated the same.
A valid oath must be sworn by Allah Most High, or by one of His names, such as al-Rahman (the All-Merciful) or al-Rahim (the Ever-Merciful).