1715/1 - ‘Abdur-Rahmān ibn Samurah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said to him: “And if you take an oath and then see something better, do what is better and expiate for your oath.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
1716/2 - Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever takes an oath and then sees something better than it should expiate for his oath and do what is better.” [Narrated by Muslim]
1717/3 - Abu Mūsa (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Verily, by Allah, I do not take an oath, Allah willing, and then see something better except that I expiate for my oath and do what is better.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
1718/4 - Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Verily, one of you who insists on fulfilling an oath regarding his family is more sinful in the sight of Allah Almighty than giving the expiation ordained by Allah for (breaking) it.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
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1) If a person takes an oath regarding something and then sees a better course of action, he should do what is better and expiate for his broken oath.
2) Expiating for the broken oath and doing what is better is more recommended than insisting on fulfilling the oath for fear of sin. It is even more sinful to insist on upholding the oath that causes harm.
The word “family” used in the last Hadīth refers to what is more common and more significant. Yet, the ruling applies to oaths regarding one’s family as well as others.