What is the ruling on one who swears an oath regarding a matter in which no one is harmed, meaning he swears but not to harm anyone, but rather to seek his own benefit, with full knowledge that
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The questioner : What is the ruling on one who swears an oath regarding a matter in which no one is harmed, meaning he swears but not to harm anyone, but rather to seek his own benefit, with full knowledge that if this person did not swear, he would not attain what he desires? Please guide us in this matter.
The Shaykh : Swearing an oath regarding a matter depends on the nature of that matter. For example, if one cannot attain a legitimate religious objective except by swearing an oath, there is no harm in swearing. Otherwise, it is better for a person not to multiply oaths, due to the saying of Allah, Blessed and Exalted is He: One of the meanings of this verse is that a person should not multiply oaths. Also, if a person multiplies oaths, he becomes susceptible to either lying or breaking the oath, and both are prohibited.
Therefore, it is better for a person not to swear an oath unless there is a need for it. And if there is a need for it, the oath, I mean, should be according to what that need requires.
The Shaykh : Swearing an oath regarding a matter depends on the nature of that matter. For example, if one cannot attain a legitimate religious objective except by swearing an oath, there is no harm in swearing. Otherwise, it is better for a person not to multiply oaths, due to the saying of Allah, Blessed and Exalted is He:
And keep your oaths
وَاحْفَظُوا أَيْمَانَكُمْTherefore, it is better for a person not to swear an oath unless there is a need for it. And if there is a need for it, the oath, I mean, should be according to what that need requires.