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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Greater Sins Volume 2 Eighteenth Greater Sin: False Oath According to the traditions ‘false oath’ belongs to the category of greater sins. False swearing is a greater sin as mentioned in the authentic tradition recorded by Abdul Azīm and also in the tradition of Imam Riďa (a.s.) as quoted by Fazl Ibn Shazān.

There is a report from Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) in the book Tuhafful Uqūl: “False swearing causes destruction of the faith.”[^1] According to traditions a person who conveys a false report or oath will be sunk in depravity and will be surrounded by hell fire. The traditions state that false oath destroys a person’s faith just as a sharp blade removes hair from the body. To swear by Allah (S.w.T.), to convey a falsehood is a particularly detestable sin.

Punishment for a false oath “(As for) those who take a small price for the covenant of Allah and their own oaths-surely-they shall have no portion in the hereafter, and Allah will not speak to them, nor will He look upon them on the Day of Resurrection nor will He purify them, and they shall have a painful chastisement.” (Surah Āli-‘Imrān 3:77) This same verse was quoted by Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) to prove that taking a false oath is one of the greater sins.

The Prophet (S) orders the taking of oath An interesting incident is quoted in Tafsīr al-Mizan from the book Amali. Imrul Qays and another man had a dispute regarding some property. Both of them came to the Holy Prophet (S).

He (S) asked Imrul Qays, “Can you provide two just witnesses to substantiate your claim?” He replied, “No!” The Holy Prophet (S) said, “Then your opponent should take an oath.” Imrul Qays said, “But what if he swears falsely and acquires my property?” The Holy Prophet (S) replied, “If he swears falsely he shall be included among people who will not be eligible for Divine Mercy on the Day of Judgment and Allah shall not purify him of sins.

There would be a dreadful punishment for such a man!” When the litigant heard these statements he was filled with horror and gave up his false claim to the property of Imrul Qays.