are afflictions that frequently befall devout worshippers and Sufis. The ruling on oaths is placed between the two, for both concern the mouth—what enters it and what comes out of it—just as jurists place the Book of Oaths alongside the Book of Foods.

This also provides a concession allowing expiation for oaths without restriction, contrary to the stringent position adopted by some jurists who hold that certain oaths admit of no expiation. Such stringency is akin to declaring things forbidden, since it prevents a person from doing what is obligatory or permissible.

All of this is a mercy from Allah toward us, unlike His treatment of other nations, for whom He forbade certain things as a punishment, whose oaths admitted of no expiation, and whom He did not purify of defilement as He has purified us. Reflect on this, for it is beneficial.