Does a curse affect someone who breaks a promise of marriage?

If I break my promise of marriage without a valid reason, what is the consequence? If the woman curses, will it have an effect on this person? If the same person repeats this behavior twice and breaks his promise, and the woman does not forgive, what happens?

Dear Brother / Sister,

Whether it is a promise of marriage or a serious commitment, the covenant given is a responsibility in Islam. This is called fulfilling one’s covenant, and it is clearly commanded in the Qur’an. (See: al-Baqarah 2:177; al-Muʾminūn 23:8)

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also regarded fulfilling one’s covenant as a requirement of faith and counted breaking one’s word among the signs of hypocrisy. (See: Bukhārī, Īmān 24; Muslim, Īmān 106)

For this reason, it is essential for a person who gives a promise to keep it. If he has failed to keep it several times, he should make amends and try to fulfill his promise, and win the heart of the person to whom he gave his word. This is the best way of compensation.

Breaking a promise without a valid reason

Breaking one’s promise without a valid reason entails moral responsibility and the violation of others’ rights. Especially if a promise of marriage has been given, prolonged, and then abandoned without reason, emotional harm may occur, which further increases the violation of rights.

In this case, one must repent and also seek forgiveness from the other party.

As for the matter of curse (supplication against someone), the basic hadith on this issue is as follows:

“Beware of the supplication of the oppressed, for there is no barrier between it and Allah.” (See: Bukhārī, Maẓālim 10; Muslim, Īmān 29)

This shows that the supplication of the oppressed is very valuable in the sight of Allah, and the supplication of the one who has been wronged is not rejected.

Therefore, we should strive to avoid receiving the supplication of the oppressed and protect ourselves from their curse.

Repeating the same mistake

Repeating the same mistake, that is, breaking one’s promise again and again, damages trust and increases moral responsibility and the burden of violating others’ rights, making it more severe.

What happens if one is not forgiven?

If the other party does not forgive, then the person should repent to Allah for the mistake, feel remorse, and, if possible, try to make amends. If there is a violation of rights, seeking forgiveness is essential; unless forgiveness is obtained, the responsibility continues.

As stated at the beginning, the most correct thing for a person who does not keep his promise is to try to make up for his mistake and win the heart of the person to whom he gave the promise.

However, if this is not possible and the person to whom the promise was given does not forgive, and even makes supplication against him, then the following recommendations can be made:

1) Giving charity on their behalf

Giving charity on their behalf for the sake of Allah may be a means for the softening of the heart.

2) Praying for them

Praying for them, for both their worldly life and the Hereafter, is an important act that reduces the concern of violating others’ rights.

3) Dedicating the reward of good deeds

Dedicating the reward of one’s acts of worship to them (gifting the reward) is a practice considered permissible by Islamic scholars.

4) Acknowledging the wrongdoing and acting kindly

One should accept the wrongdoing without becoming angry, do the good he can, and hope that Allah will soften their heart.

5) Living with hope and righteous deeds

Living with hope and righteous deeds in accordance with the pleasure of Allah and His Messenger is the most correct path both in seeking Allah’s mercy and hoping for the forgiveness of the other person.

In summary:

Breaking a promise without a valid reason is a moral sin and constitutes a violation of others’ rights.

The supplication of the oppressed is established in hadith, is very serious, and must be avoided.

If repeated, the responsibility and burden increase.

Seeking forgiveness and repentance is the most correct way out.

Questions on Islam