Making a pledge of reform and then breaking it

Question

Some wrong customs had become current in our community: for example, everyone used to go together to weddings, and there was dishonour in this; or they used to perform the rite of the fourth day after the wedding. In any case, a pledge was taken regarding these customs that no one would practise them or take part in them. What is the ruling if it is now broken?

Answer

A wrong practice is wrong in any case, and reforming it is necessary; and then to make a pledge and break it is sin upon sin. This should never be done: it throws the whole order into disarray, and its burden falls on those who break the pledge. Such people should repent (tawba) and pay the expiation (kaffara) for breaking the pledge (oath).

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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