Hazrat Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.

Hazrat Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) is reported to have said: “One who knowingly takes a false oath had made war upon Allah.” ^2 Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) says that the Holy Prophet (S) said: “Refrain from false oath, because it destroys inhabitations and makes the sinner helpless.” ^3 According to other traditions, false oath and severing relations are two such sins that cause the destruction of towns and cities. The inhabitants are eliminated and the progeny terminated.

Evil consequences of false oaths Hazrat Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) says, “One who swears falsely becomes poor within forty nights” (means forty days). ^4 Many traditions of similar connotations are available.

The same Imam (a.s.) has also said: “The false oath that takes one to the fire is the one which is taken to usurp the right of a Muslim or to usurp his property.” And Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) also remarks, “When a person says, “Allah knows!” when in fact he is speaking a lie; then Allah tells him, ‘Didn’t you find anyone other than Me to ascribe the falsehood to?’ ^5 The Holy Imam (a.s.) also says: “When a person says ‘Allah knows’ and the fact is that Allah knows contrary (to what he alludes), the heavens shudder due to the Might and Divine anger.” Types of oaths An oath is taken to prove some fact or report, or to relate the same with emphasis.

There are four kinds of oaths: Wajib (Obligatory). Mustahab (Recommended). Makrūh (Detestable). Harām (Prohibited). When does it become Wajib (obligatory) to swear? It is Wajib to take an oath in a situation where one’s life or honour, or that of another Muslim, is in danger, and taking the oath can ward off the danger. When it is Wajib to protect ones property it is also Wajib to take an oath for its protection.

In fact in all the above situations it is Wajib even to take a false oath, although as a precautionary measure one should first try ones best to employ Toriya. Mustahab oath There are situations where it is Mustahab to take an oath or to refrain from doing so. In case of very insignificant property belonging to oneself or to another Muslim it is not Wajib to swear. In this case it will be Mustahab to do so. Property that is usually considered insignificant is worth thirty Dirhams or less.

Zurara asked Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.): “The oppressive rulers forcefully collect taxes from us.