Is There Any Expiation For Breaking My Promise to Allah?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam
Question: Assalam ‘aleykum,
I have promised to Allah to not break any future promises made to Him and then I called a curse on myself in case I would fail to do so. Then I repented to Allah for all my sins. And now that I can’t keep away from sins I am in total panic. Is my repentance a promise? Is there any expiation to do for having broken my promise?
Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
I pray that you are in the best of health and faith, insha’Allah.
A promise is not legally binding, and there is no expiation for breaking it.
Shaykh Faraz writes, “One cannot make a promise without the resolve to fulfil it, but one isn’t legally sinful for breaking a promise–unless someone else’s action was dependent on the promise.”
In general, don’t promise anything without two conditions being fulfilled: (1) the resolve to fulfil, and (2) being reasonably sure of fulfilment.
With that, remember that Allah is the one who forgives all sins and relents unto His servants who turn to him in regret, remorseful over their error. Turn a new chapter in your life, rejoice in your blessings, and find some religious company or classes.
Consider taking: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Beliefs & Worship (STEP)
See also: A Reader on Tawba (Repentance) and: Is It Obligatory to Fulfill My Promises? and: Breaking Promises and Repentance
And Allah alone gives success.
Tabraze Azam
Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani.