We said that the words of the common people are to be understood as they are, so the statement of one who says, "I did not believe in Allah," is not to be understood as apostasy. Does the oath by the Prophet fall under this?

The questioner : Shaykh, we said that the words of the common people are to be understood as they are, such as the saying: "I did not believe in Allah". This is not to be understood as "I did not believe in Allah," because if it were understood that way, it would be disbelief. So, is the oath by the Prophet to be analogized to this?

The Shaykh : No, no, this is a legal ruling, and it is known to be an oath, even among the common people it is an oath. In this case, they do not have in mind that they did not believe in Allah, not at all, whereas in this case, he intended an oath.