Dr. Mahmoud Shalaby, Secretary of Fatwa at the Egyptian Dar Al-Ifta, answered a question from a woman who said that she had sworn to her children not to tell their father about a certain matter, but she later informed him and wanted to know the Islamic ruling regarding her action.

Dr. Shalaby explained that this issue involves two important aspects: breaking an oath and the nature of the agreement between the mother and her children. He emphasized that Islamic rulings consider the circumstances and the consequences of actions.

Is It Permissible to Reveal a Secret After an Oath?

Breaking an Oath When There Is Greater Good

The Secretary of Fatwa explained that if a person swears an oath and later finds that another option is better, they should choose what is better and offer the required expiation for the oath.

He referred to the saying of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:

"Whoever swears an oath and then sees that something else is better than it, let him do what is better and make expiation for his oath."

He clarified that Islam does not focus only on maintaining the wording of an oath but also considers achieving benefit and preventing harm.

What Is the Expiation for Breaking an Oath?

Required Kaffarah for an Oath

Dr. Shalaby explained that the expiation for breaking an oath includes:

• Feeding ten needy people.
• Or clothing ten needy people.
• If a person cannot do either, then fasting for three days.

The expiation becomes required when a person breaks a valid oath after choosing what is more beneficial.

Ruling on an Agreement Between a Mother and Her Children

Should a Mother Keep a Secret from the Father?

Dr. Mahmoud Shalaby stated that an agreement between a mother and her children not to inform the father may be acceptable if it concerns simple daily matters that do not require the father's involvement.

In such cases, keeping the agreement is considered a good and respected act, based on the Quranic guidance:

"And fulfill the covenant of Allah when you have made a covenant."

He emphasized that fulfilling promises is an important Islamic value, including in family relationships.

When Can a Mother Tell the Father Despite the Oath?

Returning from an Agreement Due to a Greater Need

The Secretary of Fatwa explained that if the matter is serious, or if the mother cannot handle the situation alone and the father's involvement is necessary, then she may inform him.

He pointed out that this decision is not considered a betrayal of the agreement when it aims to achieve family stability and prevent harm.

Islam’s View on Breaking Promises and Oaths

Considering Benefits and Preventing Harm

Dr. Shalaby emphasized that Islamic law considers higher objectives and the results of actions. Religious rulings are not applied without considering their impact on people and families.

He explained that breaking an agreement in such circumstances may not be sinful if it is done to achieve a greater benefit or prevent harm, while fulfilling the required oath expiation.

The Importance of Wisdom in Family Secrets

Family relationships are built on trust, mercy, and good judgment. Protecting secrets is an important moral value, but some situations require involving another family member to solve problems or prevent damage.

The Islamic approach is based on choosing what brings benefit, removes harm, and maintains family harmony.

Is expiation required for breaking an oath?

Yes, if a person breaks an oath after realizing that another choice is better, they must offer the oath expiation.

What is the expiation for an oath?

It is feeding or clothing ten needy people, and if unable, fasting for three days.

Can a mother reveal a secret she promised her children to keep?

Yes, if revealing it achieves a greater benefit or prevents harm, while offering expiation if it was an oath.

Must parents always keep agreements with their children?

The basic principle is to fulfill agreements, especially when they involve permissible matters without harm.

Is breaking a promise always considered sinful?

No. It may be allowed when it leads to a greater benefit or prevents greater harm.