The Oath of Immersion

Question:
And you have benefited us with what you said, Honorable Shaykh. Perhaps you will conclude this episode by speaking about what some Muslims do in playing with oaths, and also defining the oath that plunges one into sin.

Answer:
The oath that plunges one into sin is the one by which a person swears to a past matter while lying. For example, he might say, "By Allah, so-and-so did not come," or "By Allah, I did not do such-and-such," or "I did such-and-such," while he is lying. Or he might say, "By Allah, I bought this item for such-and-such," while he is lying. Or he might say, "He will be killed by me for such-and-such." This is the oath that plunges one into sin. There is no expiation for it; rather, it requires repentance and seeking forgiveness. It is called the oath that plunges one into sin because it plunges its owner into sin, and then into the Fire. Yes.