Abu Dawud

392. Commentary:
In this narration, the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam swore an oath by other than Allah, even though he sallallahu alayhi wa sallam forbade swearing oaths by other than Allah. Regarding this, the scholars have said that this incident occurred before the prohibition, or its status is that of an oath uttered habitually without intention, which, according to the verse of the Noble Qur’an «لا يواخذ كم الله باللغو فى ايمانكم» [البقره : 2؍ 225] “Allah will not call you to account for your unintentional oaths,” is excused. However, this habit is not correct, therefore it is necessary to avoid it. Furthermore, since ignorance and polytheistic beliefs are widespread among Muslims, in such an environment there is a strong need to strictly refrain from swearing oaths by other than Allah and to prevent others from doing so, so that people may be protected from shirk (associating partners with Allah). By the way, Shaykh al-Albani rahimahullah has declared the wording «وابيه» “By his father” in this narration to be shaadh (anomalous).