Should there be a narration apparently opposing the established principle...

Should there be a narration apparently opposing the established principle, it should be interpreted in such a manner as to correspond with this Quranic and narrative principle. Below are an ambiguous narration and the answer given to it: The holy Prophet heard `Umar saying, I swear by my father. The Prophet said, God has forbidden you to swear by your father; anyone who is to swear should from now on either swear by God, or remain silent.

This tradition cannot withstand the Quranic challenge and those narrations which permit swearing by other than God. However, it should be said that the reason why the Prophet prohibited `Umar and others from swearing by their fathers was that their fathers were idolaters and polytheists. A disbeliever and idolater are quite unworthy to be sworn by. Back Index Next Previous…