Oath is a sacred trust upon which the just verdict of a court resides. Those who take false oath not only violate the law, but also put the life and character of others in utter jeopardy and chaos. In Islam, the sanctity of an oath (يمين / yameen) is immense, because it directly involves invoking the Name of Allah as witness to one’s words or intentions. Breaking or misusing an oath is not merely a social lie — it’s a violation of trust between the person and Allah Himself.
It is very unfortunate that much too often people are giving false information and evidence even when under oath - some are compelled to do su when under threat, while many do it for money or to please their masters. No matter whatever the reason, a person under oath when giving false evidence to unlawfully take the right of Muslim brother or a consequence that may harm other Muslim brethren. Even in our routine life, swearing "By God, I am telling the truth" or words to that effect brings in Allah as witness - and if the oath is false, imagine the consequences when Allah is the witness, upon whose name a false promise or oath is taken.
Today, we share a Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as it appears in collection of Hadiths of Sahi Muslim, Sunan Ibn Majah and Musnad Ahmad, which cautions believer from rendering false evidence when under oath that may unlawfully take away the right of a rightful believer.
The Hadith is narrated on the authority of Abu Umama that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) observed:
He who appropriated the right of a Muslim by (swearing a false) oath, Allah would make Hell-fire necessary for him and would declare Paradise forbidden for him. A person said to him: Messenger of Allah, even if it is something insignificant? He (the Holy Prophet) replied: (Yes) even if it is the twig of the arak tree.- (Sahi Muslim)
Meaning and Explanation
This hadith warns against false oaths, particularly those used to seize someone else’s right or property. The Prophet ﷺ describes this as a grave sin that leads to Hellfire and exclusion from Paradise, showing it is not a minor moral lapse but a major sin (kabīrah). Even if what is stolen seems trivial — “a twig from an Arak tree” (used for miswāk) — the principle is what matters: Taking what is not yours through deceit or lying under oath is oppression (ẓulm).
Connection to the Qur’an
This warning is directly in line with multiple Qur’anic verses.
- Surah Al-‘Imran (3:77):
- “Indeed, those who exchange the covenant of Allah and their oaths for a small price will have no share in the Hereafter, and Allah will not speak to them or look at them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them; and they will have a painful punishment.”
- This verse refers to those who lie under oath to gain worldly benefit — perfectly matching the hadith’s message.
- Surah Al-Nahl (16:94):
- “And do not take your oaths as a means of deception among yourselves, lest a foot slip after it was firm and you taste evil for having hindered people from the path of Allah.”
- This verse condemns using oaths deceitfully — a reminder that breaking trust in society leads to corruption and moral downfall.
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2:188):
- “And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it (in bribery) to the rulers in order that you may sinfully consume a portion of the wealth of people while you know (it is unlawful).”
- This verse forbids using any form of deceit or manipulation — including false oaths — to seize others’ rights.
Related Hadiths Supporting the Message
- “Whoever swears a false oath in order to take the property of a Muslim unlawfully will meet Allah while He is angry with him.” - Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 2655)
- “A false oath cuts off blessings and brings Allah’s wrath.” - Sahih Muslim (Hadith 138)
Moral and Legal Lessons
- False oaths are among major sins (kabā’ir): The Prophet ﷺ placed them beside murder, theft, and usury in severity.
- These destroy trust in society and undermine justice: Even small injustices matter:
- “Even if it is a twig from an Arak tree” — meaning no act of deceit is too small to be recorded by Allah.
- Justice and truthfulness are sacred:
- Islam protects people’s rights and honor.
- Swearing falsely to take advantage of others is a betrayal of divine trust.
- Accountability before Allah:
- Every lie and oath will be exposed on the Day of Judgment.
- The Fire and the loss of Paradise are not just punishment but moral consequences of dishonesty.
Contemporary Relevance
In today’s world, this hadith is should serve as an eye opener for people making:
- False testimony in courts,
- Fraudulent contracts,
- Manipulating inheritance or property,
- Lying under oath for personal gain —
Men resorting to above actions all fall under the warning as mentioned in the Hadith referred above. Such actions invite Allah’s wrath, no matter how socially “small” they appear.
In essence:
1. The hadith warns that false oaths and dishonest claims — even over the smallest thing — are acts of oppression that lead to Hellfire and the loss of Allah’s mercy.
2. It calls believers to be truthful, just, and God-conscious, especially when testifying, swearing, or dealing with others’ rights.
After reading and understanding this hadith, we must take stock of what we say, specially when under oath and be careful in taking over rights of other Muslims unlawfully - lest, God forbids, the severe consequences as mentioned become our burning future in the life of the hereafter.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
Please refer to our exclusive reference page Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Morality for more etiquettes attributed to Prophet Muhammad. You may also refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Warning and Cautions for more Hadiths on the subject
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing. one may also consult local Muslim Imaan of the masjid for more clarification.
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