Question
Reference number: 853128 | Foods and Drinks | Sept. 18, 2026
What is the ruling on breaking an oath to refrain from smoking?
Answer
Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.
With reference to your question as stated above, breaking an oath is permissible if doing so is better for the person who made the oath. However, if keeping the oath is better, then breaking it is not permissible, particularly since smoking is not permissible and is either prohibited or close to being prohibited, and refraining from it is a religious obligation.
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever takes an oath and then sees that something else is better than it, let him do what is better and offer expiation for his oath.” [Narrated by Muslim.]
Any member of your family who pressured you into taking the oath did you a favor. If it was your father, then obeying him by refraining from smoking is a religious obligation, as this is consistent with Islamic law.
And Allah speaks the truth and guides to the right path.
