Is frequent swearing by God generally detested?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Oaths

Book 59 · Issue 2 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Frequent swearing by God is not detested. This is established by the practice of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who swore frequently, even repeating an oath three times in a single narration. For instance, in the eclipse sermon, he swore multiple times, and when encountering a woman from the Ansar, he swore three times that they were the dearest people to him. Swearing by God is considered an act of glorification of God, and when accompanied by affirmation of God's attributes or oneness, the swearer is rewarded. It is related that when a man swore by God, stating the testimony of oneness, and he was lying, the Prophet mentioned that while he lied, he was forgiven because of his affirmation of Tawhid (Oneness of God).

Supporting text

The opinion that all oaths are detested is refuted by the Prophet's extensive use of oaths. Furthermore, swearing by God involves glorification, and sometimes incorporates affirmation of God's unity and attributes, for which reward is expected.