What is your opinion of one who says that frequent swearing is an act of worship and that it is a form of glorifying Allah?
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The questioner : Shaykh, may Allah bless you, what is your answer to one who says that frequent swearing is an act of worship, on the grounds that the one who swears by something is thereby honoring it? Whoever swears by something is honoring it, and honoring Allah (Mighty and Majestic) is an act of worship... Even the common people among us, for example, are found swearing by their fathers because they hold them in high esteem.
The Shaykh : Yes.
The questioner : So, if they swear by Allah (Mighty and Majestic), they honor Him, and thus it becomes an act of worship for Him?
The Shaykh : Yes, and if they mention Allah?
The questioner : Likewise, they worship Him.
The Shaykh : Why do they not mention Allah? Swearing is for emphasis, and because of the glorification of Allah, swearing by Him serves to emphasize the statement. If that is the case, there is no need for it. For this reason, some exegetes, regarding the saying of Allah the Exalted:, said: "Do not swear excessively." This is the truth. And Allah the Exalted has criticized those who make this their habit: [Al-Qalam 68:10] So, glorifying Allah is done by other means, yes.
The Shaykh : Yes.
The questioner : So, if they swear by Allah (Mighty and Majestic), they honor Him, and thus it becomes an act of worship for Him?
The Shaykh : Yes, and if they mention Allah?
The questioner : Likewise, they worship Him.
The Shaykh : Why do they not mention Allah? Swearing is for emphasis, and because of the glorification of Allah, swearing by Him serves to emphasize the statement. If that is the case, there is no need for it. For this reason, some exegetes, regarding the saying of Allah the Exalted: