Hadith #2792

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he raises a thought-provoking question,

How can one be safe from the punishment of Allah when he is quick in making false oaths?

This Hadith highlights the grave sin of making false oaths and emphasizes the consequences that await those who engage in such deceitful behavior.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (adhab) "عَذَابِ" refers to punishment, specifically the punishment inflicted by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (mutasarri'u) "مُتَسَرِّعُ" means to hasten or be quick in doing something. And finally, the phrase (ila al-yameen al-fajirah) "إلَى اليَمِينِ الفاجِرَةِ" translates to

in making false oaths.

To comprehend the gravity of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against making false oaths in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 89:

Allah will not impose blame upon you for what is meaningless in your oaths, but He will impose blame upon you for [breaking] what you intended of oaths. So its expiation is the feeding of ten needy people from the average of that which you feed your [own] families or clothing them or the freeing of a slave. But whoever cannot find [or afford it] - then a fast of three days [is required]. That is the expiation for oaths when you have sworn. But guard your oaths. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be grateful.

This verse highlights the seriousness of breaking oaths and the obligation to fulfill them. It also provides a means of expiation for those who have made false oaths. However, it is important to note that this expiation does not absolve one from the consequences of their actions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns that He will impose blame upon those who break their oaths intentionally.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) draws our attention to the swiftness with which some individuals make false oaths. This hastiness reflects a lack of consciousness and fear of Allah's punishment. Such individuals prioritize their immediate desires over the consequences of their actions. They fail to realize that their false oaths not only harm others but also invite the wrath of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The consequences of making false oaths are severe, as mentioned in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 92:

And never should a believer kill a believer, but if it so happens by mistake, compensation is due. And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell to abide therein, and the wrath and the curse of Allah are upon him, and a great punishment is prepared for him.

This verse serves as a reminder that those who engage in deceitful behavior, such as making false oaths, are inviting the wrath and punishment of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They risk eternal damnation in Hellfire and the curse of Allah upon them. It is a grave matter that should not be taken lightly.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) raises this question to make us reflect on our own actions. Are we quick to make false oaths without considering the consequences? Do we prioritize our immediate desires over the fear of Allah's punishment? This Hadith serves as a reminder to be mindful of our words and actions, to always speak the truth, and to fulfill our oaths with utmost sincerity.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to the straight path and protect us from the temptation of making false oaths. May we strive to be truthful and conscious of our words, knowing that Allah is All-Knowing and All-Seeing. May we seek forgiveness for any past transgressions and make a sincere effort to rectify our behavior. And may we always remember the profound wisdom and guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), the epitome of knowledge and righteousness.