/ An oath is a means for selling a commodity and a means for destroying the profit

An oath is a means for selling a commodity and a means for destroying the profit

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: "An oath is a means for selling a commodity and a means for destroying the profit."
Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim

Explanation

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) warned against swearing oaths and doing so excessively, even if one is truthful in buying and selling. He informed that it may help in promoting goods and merchandise, but it diminishes and nullifies the blessing in profit and earnings. Allah Almighty may bring about ways through which this wealth is destroyed, whether by theft, fire, drowning, seizure, looting, or other means that lead to the loss of one's wealth.

Hadeeth benefits

  1. Highlighting the significance of taking oaths in Allah's name and that it should only be done when necessary.
  2. Unlawful earnings, even if large in quantity, are deprived of blessing and void of goodness.
  3. Al-Qāri said: The loss of blessing in the earned wealth may occur through either destruction that affects his wealth, spending it in ways that bring no benefit to him in this world or reward in the Hereafter, it remains with him but he is deprived of its benefit, or it is inherited by someone who does not appreciate it.
  4. An-Nawawi said: It contains a prohibition against frequently swearing oaths in sale transactions, as swearing without necessity is disliked. Additionally, it promotes the merchandise, and the buyer may be deceived by the oath.
  5. Frequent swearing is a deficiency in faith and a deficiency in monotheism because excessive swearing leads to two things: the first is carelessness and lack of concern in this regard, and the second is lying, for whoever frequently swears oaths is likely to fall into lying. Therefore, one should minimize this and refrain from swearing excessively, which is why Allah Almighty says: {But be mindful of your oaths.} [Surat al-Mā’idah: 89]