When one says "wa ana 'abduka, wa ana 'alaa 'ahdika wa wa'dika masta-ta'tu" is it considered as an oath?

Q: In the dua for forgiveness, when one says wa ana 'abduka, wa ana 'alaa 'ahdika wa wa'dika masta-ta'tu, is this considered making an oath to Allah, and if it is not fulfilled then a fast must be kept for 3 days?

A:

1. One is making a pledge with Allah Ta'ala that one will practise upon Islam according to the best of his ability.

2. Since, the oath is not regarding any specific action, through committing a sin, one will not have to give the kaffarah for breaking the oath. However, one should sincerely repent to Allah Ta'ala for not remaining on the path of obedience and submission.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)