Swearing by other than Allāh

Question

What is the Zaydī position on swearing on other than Allāh? For example, if someone says “By ʿAlī,” or “By the Prophet.”

Answer

The answer – through the fatwas of Sayyid Muḥammad b. ʿAbdullāh – is that it is strictly prohibited.

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Question

Is it permissible to swear by other than Allāh, such as by the Qurʾān or the Prophet?

Answer

It is not appropriate to swear by the Qurʾān, nor by a Prophet or an angel, for doing so gives the impression that the one swearing equates the Prophet with the Lord of all worlds.

Question

Does swearing by other than Allāh alone require an expiation (kaffārah)?

Answer

It is not permissible to swear by other than Allāh, and the one who does so is not obligated to offer an expiation of oath, but should seek forgiveness from Allāh.

Question

What is the ruling on swearing by other than Allāh, such as saying, “By the life of so-and-so,” or “By the Prophet,” or “By the Kaʿbah,” or the like?

Answer

It is not permissible in the religion of Islam to swear by other than Allāh.

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May Allah reward the esteemed Sayyid.