Islamic marriage advice and family advice

Swearing by the Quran

Cover of the Holy QuranQuestion:

Salam,

If for the sake of keeping a good realtionship some one asks you to swear on the Quran that you have not done something, and out of fear of breaking your relationship you swear falsely on the Quran but then seek forgivness to Allah Tallah and pay some sadaqa and so on,  is it ok or no?

Kindly reply me I am waiting for it.

Wasalam Regards, Sister Noor.

PS: Sister Leyla & Brother Ahmed thank you for your response to my previous question and guiding me with sweet message and how to help  my difficult life and from now onward. SisterLeyla, I will do what you advise  and hope that inshaAllah this will help me alot and make me more strong and confident.

Wael's Answer:

As-salamu alaykum Sister Noor,

I've noticed that this is the second question from you that we are answering here and I don't mind, but please keep in mind that we receive questions from many people and we must try to give equal time and attention to everyone. There are currently almost 20 questions in the queue waiting to be answered.

1. Lying is forbidden in Islam. Taking a false oath is considered to be a very serious sin. It's not something you can do and then just say a few "astaghfirullah" and forget about it.

2. It's forbidden in Islam to swear an oath by anything other than Allah. In other words, when we take an oath in Islam we say "Wallahi" or "Wallah hil-atheem." ("By Allah" or "By Allah the Most Glorious"). We do not swear on the Quran, or on the Prophet (pbuh), or on the Ka'bah, or anything besides Allah.

So my advice to you is to make a sincere tawbah for lying, and for swearing on something besides Allah. Ask Allah's forgiveness and resolve truly from your heart not to do these things again.

For more information about this, I am copying here an article from the As-Sunnah Newsletter (qsep.com):

Swearing in the name of anything besides Allah is prohibited

An oath is a solemn appeal to Allah to witness one's determination, or to emphasize a matter by mentioning a glorified one in particular. Glorification and exaltation are due to Allah Alone, therefore, it is not permissible to swear by other than Allah. Scholars are agreed that an oath must be sworn by Allah, His Names or Attributes only, and that swearing by other than Allah constitutes Shirk.

Ibn Umar (radhi allahu anhu) narrated, 'The Prophet (sallallahu aliahi wa-sallam) said, 'Allah has prohibited you from taking an oath by your fathers. He who must take an oath, may do so by swearing in the Name of Allah or he should remain silent.'' [Agreed upon] Ibn Umar (radhi allahu anhu) also reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu aliahi wa-sallam) said, 'He who swears by other than Allah, commits Kufr and Shirk.' [Musnad Ahmad]

It is minor Shirk to swear by other than Allah, unless the one, who is sworn by, is aggrandized by the swearer, to the point of worship, then it constitutes major Shirk. Such is the case of the grave worshippers of today. They fear dead people (whom they aggrandize) more than they fear Allah, to the point that if one of them is asked to swear by a wali, he would not dare to do so, unless he swears on a truth, but if he is asked to swear by Allah, he would do so even if he is lying!

Swearing falsely is prohibited

Abu Umamah Iyas bin Tha`labah Al-Harithi (radhi allahu anhu) said, 'The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu aliahi wa-sallam) said, 'He, who misappropriates the right of a Muslim by taking a false oath, Allah will condemn him to the fire of Hell and will forbid Jannah for him.' A person asked, 'O Messenger of Allah, even if it is something insignificant?' He replied, 'Yes, even if it is the twig of an Arak tree.'' [Saheeh Muslim]

Abdullah Ibn Amr Ibn al-As (radhi allahu anhu) said, 'The Prophet (sallallahu aliahi wa-sallam) said, 'Of the major sins are; associating anything in worship with Allah, disobedience to the parents, killing without justification and taking a false oath (intentionally).'' [Saheeh al-Bukharee]

Another narration mentions, 'A bedouin came to the Prophet (sallallahu aliahi wa-sallam) and asked him, 'O Messenger of Allah, what are the major sins?' He (sallallahu aliahi wa-sallam) replied, 'Associating anything with Allah in worship.' The man asked, '(What is) next?' He (sallallahu aliahi wa-sallam) replied, 'Al-Yamin al-Ghamus.' He enquired, 'What do you mean by Al-Yamin Al-Ghamus?' He (sallallahu aliahi wa-sallam) replied, 'Swearing falsely to usurp the property of a Muslim.' [Saheeh al-Bukharee]

Ghamus' means to drown. A false oath drowns one in sin. For this reason, it is called Al-Yamin al-Ghamus, 'the oath that drowns one in sin.' Is it open to expiation? Some religious scholars believe that it is, while others think it is not, because in their opinion, it is a lie, which is employed to deprive somebody of his wealth and property. For this reason, they say that in such case, one should beg pardon from Allah and arrange to restore the wealth and property to the victim. This seems to be the more appropriate course because mere repentance cannot remit this sin. It is necessary to rectify the wrong and compensate the victim. [See, Riyadh as-Saliheen. Commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf]

Swearing Frequently or Swearing in Transaction is prohibited, even if it be true.

Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) said, 'I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu aliahi wa-sallam) saying, 'Swearing produces a ready sale for a commodity, but he will be deprived of Allah's blessings.'' [Agreed upon]

The Prophet (sallallahu aliahi wa-sallam) informs us in this Hadeeth that when a seller swears falsely concerning the worth of his goods, he may attain some benefit by selling a large quantity of it, but this is not a fair means of business. Even though, it increases the sale, it robs the business of its blessings. Therefore, even if a person is perfectly right in his statement in respect to his merchandise, he should not take an oath to influence his customers.

Food for Thought: If one's perfectly true oath robs the deal of its blessings, then how great is the sin of those who take false oaths to sell their goods?!!

Salman (radhi allahu anhu) narrated that Allah's Messenger (sallallahu aliahi wa-sallam) said, 'There are three types of people whom Allah will not speak to, and neither will He bless them, and for them is the severe torment. They are, (i) the white-haired old adulterer, (ii) the arrogant beggar and (iii) the one who has made Allah as his merchandise, i.e., he does not purchase except by swearing (by Allah), nor does he sell except by swearing (by Allah).' [At-Tabaranee with a Saheeh isnad]

The Prophet (sallallahu aliahi wa-sallam) informs us in this Hadeeth that there are three categories of people to whom Allah will not speak on the Day of Resurrection nor will He cleanse them of their sins with forgiveness. This is because they committed sins without any excuse or justification and the first of these three is the fornicator and adulterer, who continues to sin in spite of his advanced years and consequent lessening of sexual urge, and his knowledge that the end of his life is near. The second is the man, who behaves arrogantly towards people, though, he possesses none of the wealth, rank or privilege, which often lead men to behave arrogantly. The third is the one, who treats Allah's Name with impropriety, frequently swearing by Him, Most High, without cause or valid excuse. In light of the above, those who frequently use the expression, 'Wallahi' (i.e. by Allah) should restrict themselves from such loose speech.


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29 Responses »

  1. As-salamu alaykum Sister Noor,

    I've noticed that this is the second question from you that we are answering here and I don't mind, but please keep in mind that we receive questions from many people and we must try to give equal time and attention to everyone. There are currently almost 20 questions in the queue waiting to be answered.

    1. Lying is forbidden in Islam. Taking a false oath is considered to be a very serious sin. It's not something you can do and then just say a few "astaghfirullah" and forget about it.

    2. It's forbidden in Islam to swear an oath by anything other than Allah. In other words, when we take an oath in Islam we say "Wallahi" or "Wallah hil-atheem." ("By Allah" or "By Allah the Most Glorious"). We do not swear on the Quran, or on the Prophet (pbuh), or on the Ka'bah, or anything besides Allah.

    So my advice to you is to make a sincere tawbah for lying, and for swearing on something besides Allah. Ask Allah's forgiveness and resolve truly from your heart not to do these things again.

    For more information about this, I am copying here an article from the As-Sunnah Newsletter (qsep.com):

    Swearing in the name of anything besides Allah is prohibited

    An oath is a solemn appeal to Allah to witness one's determination, or to emphasize a matter by mentioning a glorified one in particular. Glorification and exaltation are due to Allah Alone, therefore, it is not permissible to swear by other than Allah. Scholars are agreed that an oath must be sworn by Allah, His Names or Attributes only, and that swearing by other than Allah constitutes Shirk.

    Ibn Umar (radhi allahu anhu) narrated, 'The Prophet (sallallahu aliahi wa-sallam) said, 'Allah has prohibited you from taking an oath by your fathers. He who must take an oath, may do so by swearing in the Name of Allah or he should remain silent.'' [Agreed upon] Ibn Umar (radhi allahu anhu) also reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu aliahi wa-sallam) said, 'He who swears by other than Allah, commits Kufr and Shirk.' [Musnad Ahmad]

    It is minor Shirk to swear by other than Allah, unless the one, who is sworn by, is aggrandized by the swearer, to the point of worship, then it constitutes major Shirk. Such is the case of the grave worshippers of today. They fear dead people (whom they aggrandize) more than they fear Allah, to the point that if one of them is asked to swear by a wali, he would not dare to do so, unless he swears on a truth, but if he is asked to swear by Allah, he would do so even if he is lying!

    Swearing falsely is prohibited

    Abu Umamah Iyas bin Tha`labah Al-Harithi (radhi allahu anhu) said, 'The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu aliahi wa-sallam) said, 'He, who misappropriates the right of a Muslim by taking a false oath, Allah will condemn him to the fire of Hell and will forbid Jannah for him.' A person asked, 'O Messenger of Allah, even if it is something insignificant?' He replied, 'Yes, even if it is the twig of an Arak tree.'' [Saheeh Muslim]

    Abdullah Ibn Amr Ibn al-As (radhi allahu anhu) said, 'The Prophet (sallallahu aliahi wa-sallam) said, 'Of the major sins are; associating anything in worship with Allah, disobedience to the parents, killing without justification and taking a false oath (intentionally).'' [Saheeh al-Bukharee]

    Another narration mentions, 'A bedouin came to the Prophet (sallallahu aliahi wa-sallam) and asked him, 'O Messenger of Allah, what are the major sins?' He (sallallahu aliahi wa-sallam) replied, 'Associating anything with Allah in worship.' The man asked, '(What is) next?' He (sallallahu aliahi wa-sallam) replied, 'Al-Yamin al-Ghamus.' He enquired, 'What do you mean by Al-Yamin Al-Ghamus?' He (sallallahu aliahi wa-sallam) replied, 'Swearing falsely to usurp the property of a Muslim.' [Saheeh al-Bukharee]

    Ghamus' means to drown. A false oath drowns one in sin. For this reason, it is called Al-Yamin al-Ghamus, 'the oath that drowns one in sin.' Is it open to expiation? Some religious scholars believe that it is, while others think it is not, because in their opinion, it is a lie, which is employed to deprive somebody of his wealth and property. For this reason, they say that in such case, one should beg pardon from Allah and arrange to restore the wealth and property to the victim. This seems to be the more appropriate course because mere repentance cannot remit this sin. It is necessary to rectify the wrong and compensate the victim. [See, Riyadh as-Saliheen. Commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf]

    Swearing Frequently or Swearing in Transaction is prohibited, even if it be true.

    Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) said, 'I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu aliahi wa-sallam) saying, 'Swearing produces a ready sale for a commodity, but he will be deprived of Allah's blessings.'' [Agreed upon]

    The Prophet (sallallahu aliahi wa-sallam) informs us in this Hadeeth that when a seller swears falsely concerning the worth of his goods, he may attain some benefit by selling a large quantity of it, but this is not a fair means of business. Even though, it increases the sale, it robs the business of its blessings. Therefore, even if a person is perfectly right in his statement in respect to his merchandise, he should not take an oath to influence his customers.

    Food for Thought: If one's perfectly true oath robs the deal of its blessings, then how great is the sin of those who take false oaths to sell their goods?!!

    Salman (radhi allahu anhu) narrated that Allah's Messenger (sallallahu aliahi wa-sallam) said, 'There are three types of people whom Allah will not speak to, and neither will He bless them, and for them is the severe torment. They are, (i) the white-haired old adulterer, (ii) the arrogant beggar and (iii) the one who has made Allah as his merchandise, i.e., he does not purchase except by swearing (by Allah), nor does he sell except by swearing (by Allah).' [At-Tabaranee with a Saheeh isnad]

    The Prophet (sallallahu aliahi wa-sallam) informs us in this Hadeeth that there are three categories of people to whom Allah will not speak on the Day of Resurrection nor will He cleanse them of their sins with forgiveness. This is because they committed sins without any excuse or justification and the first of these three is the fornicator and adulterer, who continues to sin in spite of his advanced years and consequent lessening of sexual urge, and his knowledge that the end of his life is near. The second is the man, who behaves arrogantly towards people, though, he possesses none of the wealth, rank or privilege, which often lead men to behave arrogantly. The third is the one, who treats Allah's Name with impropriety, frequently swearing by Him, Most High, without cause or valid excuse. In light of the above, those who frequently use the expression, 'Wallahi' (i.e. by Allah) should restrict themselves from such loose speech.

  2. Please give me information about the swear on quran by placing hands and he is not capable to keep the swear and he break by is there any way to forgive by allaha please reply me

  3. As-salamu alaykum,

    I was told by my mother to swear to Allah on the Quran that I would not smoke hookah anymore, I don't know if that counts as a legitimate oath because I didn't want to do it in the first place. But, if it is, what should i do?

  4. How does someone repent when he or she have sworn in the name of Allah however they were wrong.

  5. i swore on the Quraan and lied thrice..i'm terrified what should i do?i did this 2 save my relation with the person i love. what should i do now to avoid Allah's curse &ask for his forgiveness?

  6. I love a boy who is non-muslim. He is very much into me and took care of me very well. I told my mother about him that he wants to marry me. My mother went furious and asked me in to pledge in the name of Allah paak that I would not even see him again. Under pressure, I was bound to pledge and now I am not in talking terms with him. The boy took so much care for me, I didn't even explained him what did happen, because of the pledge.

    My question is - "Is it right to get imposed and be self-shackled in the name of Allah the merciful? The name of Allah liberates from pains and not bounds you to do what is pure from heart. Will Allah paak be really happy from me by virtue of this step. Please let me know. I am in great dilemma"

    • Maano,

      What you have been doing is un-Islamic. It is haraam for you to marry a non Muslim man. Your mother is correct in her action.

      Allah's Name liberates from wrong, but when one is going into wrong, it brings discipline.

      If you need further advise, please login and submit a post separately.

      Abu Abdul Bari
      IslamicAnswers.com Editor

      • Abu

        In my view, Love is not confined to a particular religion, and every religion in this world has come out of a central power.

        Who decides what is right or wrong other than Allah, again truth is subjected to relativity. what is true for a person might not be true for me, and vice versa. Religion is for man, not man is for religion. It is a better way of living, and not for creating walls between two children of the same creator.
        If I love him, that is not due to ulterior and mala-fide intentions. I am not doing harm to anybody. Even when I am not in talks with him, he doesnt exerts pressure on me to talk even. He is trying to remain calm even when he is undergoing a mental tumult. He never came to me asking for the cost of love he has for me.

        Also, I do not understand the theory of getting married to a muslim and remain unhappy for the whole life rather than going along with a non-muslim who actually cares. God is one and he is not pro-religious. before him, we are equally wise and equally fool.

        I was just in dliemma and asked the question, but now I clearly understand why my mother thinks in such a way. Thanks for your response.

        • You clearly lack information about Islam. That is your view and not the view of Islam, the view of Allah is what I mentioned. Many (not all) earlier religions were from Allah, but in this day and age, no religion is acceptable with Allah but Islam. If anyone dies without being upon Islam, dies a Kaafir or a Mushrik, to burn in the fire.

          May Allah Guide us all until we meet Him

          Abu Abdul Bari
          IslamicAnswers.com Editor

  7. Salaam everybody,

    I want an answer for a similar situation. I love my husband dearly and want him badly. My marriage is at the verge of a divorce. Before my marriage I used to like a man to whom I was not able to get married. I really loved him but because of the sectarian differences we did not get married. My husband lives abroad and after my nikkah the boy came back to me again and begged me ..for coming to him and break my nikkah. For few months i was laid back by shaitan and decided to break my nikkah and kept illegitimate relations with him. But then I got closer to ALLAH and realized whatever I am doing is wrong and made taubah to him. I really love my husband today and dont want to loose him. But that boy recently sent some pictures of mine to my husband on which my husband wants to give me divorce. I told him it was all my past all before my Nikkah which in fact is not true. I went to that guy after my Nikkah. I repented to Allah for my sins.. I repent daily I cry and seek forgiveness. My husband wants me to swear upon Quran if all these pics are of my past and not after nikkah. I am fearing of taking a false oath... But my intention is to save my marriage and not to loose my husband. I have changed alot ... I observe hijab ,pray five times and read Quran. I dont want to loose my husband i want to be with him. Can I swear upon Quran with the intention of saving my marriage?
    Please reply quickly.. As I have no time left..please

    waiting for your response

    • Qurat, if you swear to a lie, you will be compounding one sin with another. I'm not telling you what to do as I see few good options for you. I think the truth may be that you have destroyed your marriage beyond repair. Adultery is a serious sin with serious consequences in the dunya and the aakhirah. Sometimes those consequences are unavoidable.

      Wael
      IslamicAnswers.com Editor

      • But I have repented infront of Allah.. I do ibadat as much I can. I have changed chhanged alot.. Want my marriage to work....I really want him. Want to serve him for my whole life cant loose him...Please help me. I cant tell him the truth otherwise I will loose him. Please help me...

  8. salaam
    i took an oath on quran i dint wantd to but ws forced m scared tat i wont b able to abide wat if i dont do so plz reply

  9. i lied on quran for something now im thinking that ill die

    • Repent to Allah and don't lie again. Allah (swt) says: "Whoever commits evil, or wrongs his soul, then implores Allah for forgiveness, will find Allah Forgiving and Merciful." (Quran 4: 110)

      As for swearing by the Holy Quran, it's wrong to do so. We only swear by Allah, The Lord of the Holy Quran. So ask Allah for forgiveness and don't swear by it again.

  10. if a person needs some wish to come true badly what should that person do

  11. (Hannan, I removed your comment. Please register and submit your question as a separate post, and we will answer it in turn, Insha'Allah. - IslamicAnswers.com Editor).

  12. Please Guide me where can i post my Question?

  13. send me link where can i post it

  14. AsalamAlikum
    I have committed sin i took 20000 for my wife account and spent on some family matters my wife inquired abt this and i replied that i dont know she got angry abt all this so i swear by quran that dont know abt this.

    • You committed a major sin. You should tell your wife the truth, apologize to her, and pay her back in installments.

      Wael
      IslamicAnswers.com Editor

  15. i stolen sum jewels, whn owner asked me abt thm i denied, then i put my one hand on Quran and said " i dont have any part in this act . and i didnt stolen these jewels.". is this valid oath, if this is valid thn wht shud i have to do for forgiveness.. kindly reply

  16. i lie by put my hand on quran due to something if i am not do so may be my relationship with my husband may will be finished , that s why i put my hand on quran and lying by speaking some statement i want to know Is there are fine for this that i can pay for my mistake.

  17. M ne qasam khai thi k m ek month tk rice nh khaun g but m ne kha liye what can i do now ? Any sadqah ? Fasting or anything else please tell me I'm kinda worried about it & yeah of course reply me with an suitable hadees or ayat !

  18. AsalamoAlaikum i have a question
    I read it on a good website that if you dont swear with saying inshAllah, it wont be known as a swear or wont be a swear, is this true.
    Because i sweared one thing and i did not say inshAllah.
    And plus do i have to give kaffarah, pls help? And what are the kaffarahs?

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