Is it permissible to perform the expiation for an oath after delaying it for a year or more?
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The questioner : Is it permissible to perform the expiation for an oath after delaying it for a year or more?
The Shaykh : It is obligatory for one who breaks his oath to hasten to perform the expiation, because the expiation becomes due upon him at the moment he breaks the oath, and it is not permissible to delay the performance of an obligation. Indeed, a person does not know what may befall him; he may become unable after being able, or become poor after being rich, or die after being alive. The expiation is a debt in his liability, and he must hasten to settle it. If he is negligent and lazy, or forgets, until a year or two years have passed, it is still obligatory for him to perform the expiation, even if the period has been long. However, he commits a sin by the delay if he delayed without an excuse.
The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.
The Shaykh : It is obligatory for one who breaks his oath to hasten to perform the expiation, because the expiation becomes due upon him at the moment he breaks the oath, and it is not permissible to delay the performance of an obligation. Indeed, a person does not know what may befall him; he may become unable after being able, or become poor after being rich, or die after being alive. The expiation is a debt in his liability, and he must hasten to settle it. If he is negligent and lazy, or forgets, until a year or two years have passed, it is still obligatory for him to perform the expiation, even if the period has been long. However, he commits a sin by the delay if he delayed without an excuse.
The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.