📜 The Islamic Perspective on Oaths and Swearing
Comprehensive Definition:
Oath: In an Islamic context, an oath (known as “qasam” قَسَم in Arabic) is a solemn promise invoking the name of Allah (God) as a witness to the individual’s commitment to uphold truth or fulfill a pledge. Swearing (also referred to as “yamin” يَمين) indicates the act of taking such an oath.
Etymology:
The word “qasam” originates from the Arabic root “ق-س-م” which means to partition, allocate, distribute or divide, implying the division of truth from falsehood. The term “yamin” (يَمين) historically denotes the right hand, symbolizing strength or authority, representing the solemnity and serious nature of the promise made.
Background:
Swearing oaths has a rich tradition interwoven with the ethical and moral fabric of Islamic society. In the Qur’ān, many verses emphasize the importance of fulfilling oaths and highlight the spiritual consequences of breaking oaths. For instance, the verse in Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:89) underscores the significance of upholding vows and provides expiation methods for broken oaths.
Cultural Differences and Similarities:
While the core principles of oaths and swearing are universally revered in many religious traditions, their theological undertones and jurisprudence differ. For example:
- Islam and Christianity: Both traditions prioritize truthfulness in oaths. Islam provides specific expiation methods for broken oaths, whereas Christianity generally promotes confession and penance.
- Judaism: Like Islam, Judaism places importance on making vows before God and includes directives on how to handle vows and oaths ethically.
Synonyms:
- Vow
- Pledge
- Promise
- Commitment
- Covenant
Antonyms:
- Perjury
- Falsehood
- Breach of promise
Related Terms with Definitions:
- Qasam (قسم): An alternative term for oath/swearing in Arabic, signifying a solemn promise invoking Allah.
- Nadhr (نذر): A pledge or vow to perform a particular act of worship.
- Ahd (عهد): A word signifying a promise, commitment or a covenant.
- Yamin Lagwh (يمين لغو): An inadvertent oath, often not intended as serious, which Islam advises does not require expiation.
Exciting Facts:
- Islam views the breaking of oaths seriously and prescribes specific acts of expiation (e.g., feeding ten needy people or fasting for three days).
- Oaths are often taken by people before testifying in Islamic courts to emphasize the gravity of truth.
- The Prophetic tradition (Hadith) contains sayings condemning habitual swearing and calls for moderation and truthfulness in speech.
Quotations from Notable Writers:
- “Verily, Allah will not call you to account for what is futile in your oaths, but He will call you to account for your deliberate oaths; for expiation, feed ten poor persons, on a scale of the average of that with which you feed your own families, or clothe them; or manumit a slave. But whoso finds not (the wherewithal), then he shall fast for three days. That is the expiation for the oaths you have sworn. But keep your oaths.” - Qur’an 5:89
References and Suggested Literature:
- Qurʾān: Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:89), regarding expiation for broken oaths.
- Sahih Bukhari: Collection of sayings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (Hadith).
- Fiqh Literature: Studies on Islamic jurisprudence addressing oaths and pledges.
Quizzes:
By understanding the significant role of oaths within Islamic teachings, we gain insight into the ethical constructs that shape moral behavior in Muslim societies. May this knowledge inspire more conscious and truthful engagement with our promises and commitments.
With reverence for the truth and commitment to integrity,
Fatima Al-Miraj
𑁋 October 2023 𑁋
