Authored by: Fazeelat al-Sheikh Hafiz Abdul Sattar Al-Hammad حفظ اللہ
"إِيَّاكُمْ وَكَثْرَةَ الْحَلِفِ فِي الْبَيْعِ، فَإِنَّهُ يُنَفِّقُ ثُمَّ يَمْحَقُ"
"Avoid frequently swearing oaths in sales transactions, as while it may help sell the goods, it removes the blessing."
[Sahih Muslim, Book of Musaqat: 1607]
In another Hadith, it is mentioned that a trader who runs his business by taking false oaths is counted among those wrongdoers whom Allah has judged, saying:
"He will neither speak to them nor look upon them with mercy on the Day of Judgment, nor will He purify them; rather, they will face a painful punishment."
[Nasa’i, Book of Sales: 4467]
Selling goods through false oaths is an extremely detestable act condemned by Islamic teachings. However, if a person inadvertently takes an oath without intent while engaging in trade, they should atone by giving charity, as instructed by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):
"O traders, in your transactions, unintentional oaths and idle talk may occur, so give charity regularly."
[Nasa’i, Book of Sales: 4468]
"إِيَّاكُمْ وَكَثْرَةَ الْحَلِفِ فِي الْبَيْعِ، فَإِنَّهُ يُنَفِّقُ ثُمَّ يَمْحَقُ"
"Avoid frequently swearing oaths in sales transactions, as while it may help sell the goods, it removes the blessing."
[Sahih Muslim, Book of Musaqat: 1607]
Key Points:
In business transactions, not only is it discouraged to take false oaths, but it is also advisable to avoid excessive truthful oaths. When one becomes accustomed to swearing oaths, the distinction between truth and falsehood is lost, and the sanctity of Allah’s name diminishes. An oath should only be taken when absolutely necessary. Engaging in falsehood during trade not only removes blessings but also brings about losses, leaving one's conscience disturbed. The removal of blessings implies that wealth becomes impure; despite abundance, it will not fulfill basic needs and may be lost due to illness or distress.In another Hadith, it is mentioned that a trader who runs his business by taking false oaths is counted among those wrongdoers whom Allah has judged, saying:
"He will neither speak to them nor look upon them with mercy on the Day of Judgment, nor will He purify them; rather, they will face a painful punishment."
[Nasa’i, Book of Sales: 4467]
Selling goods through false oaths is an extremely detestable act condemned by Islamic teachings. However, if a person inadvertently takes an oath without intent while engaging in trade, they should atone by giving charity, as instructed by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):
"O traders, in your transactions, unintentional oaths and idle talk may occur, so give charity regularly."
[Nasa’i, Book of Sales: 4468]