Book of Oaths
Introduction
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Book of Oaths

An oath is not considered binding unless it is sworn by Allah, or by one of His Names1, or by one of His Attributes—for example: “By the might of Allah,” “By His power,” or “By His trust.”

If a person says, “An oath by Allah,” or “A solemn vow,” or “A testimony,” the oath is binding.

It is likewise binding to swear by the Quran, by the mushaf, by the Torah, or by any other revealed scripture.

Whoever swears by a created being—such as the saints, the prophets (peace be upon them), or by the Kaʿba or the like—has committed something unlawful, yet no expiation is required.

Section

The conditions that make expiation obligatory are five2:

1. That the one swearing be legally competent.
2. That he do so voluntarily.
3. That he intend the oath; thus an oath is not binding on someone whose words slip from his tongue without conscious intent