There are 3 kinds of oaths: Idle oaths which are not accountable, confirmed ones which are accountable, and false oaths which are cardinal sins and cannot be atoned for.

Atonement for oaths can be done by feeding 10 poor people, giving each of the 10 people a garment, or to set a slave free. If not attainable, the swearer should fast for 3 days.

The atonement of an unfulfilled oath is a must if it is a valid one, done deliberately and the swearer did not do what he swore to do, provided that he did not make an exception.

A Nadhr is a pledge to do something for God’s sake, a Muslim is encouraged to do good deeds without making pledges, but if he makes a Nadhr he must fulfil his commitment.

Any pledge to do something forbidden must not be fulfilled, such as pledging oneself to drink wine, making pledges to dead people or making pledges to glorify a grave or an object.