A question regarding the seriousness of promises and their binding nature.
🤖
AI Notice: This translation was generated by AI and is currently awaiting human verification.
1 Answer
Peace be upon you.
Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sistani (may Allah protect him):
It is obligatory to avoid lying in promises, meaning one should not break a promise whenever possible, even if it is conditional upon the will of Allah or similar. If the promise is made with the intention of breaking it, it is forbidden, even in promises made to family, as a precaution. Therefore, if there is a clear indication that the promise was not intended seriously, such as when someone says: 'We are waiting for your visit,' and you respond: 'Insha'Allah' (if Allah wills) or 'soon,' it is clear that the promise is conditional upon the will of Allah, and that you will visit them with Allah's permission. In such cases, there is no obligation to fulfill the promise.
Source: Minhaj al-Salihin, Vol. 2, Introduction, M38
Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Khamenei (may Allah protect him):
If a person makes a promise to someone - even to their son or daughter - with the intention of breaking it, it is forbidden if it qualifies as lying or any other prohibited act. Therefore, what was mentioned in the question is permissible as long as it does not qualify as lying but is rather a form of social nicety or courtesy.
Source: Fiqh al-Wali: On the Laws of Lying
May you be successful in all good.