Text of the Hadith

"If anyone swears a firm oath - knowingly, intentionally, taking by it property belonging to a Muslim, Allah will be angry with him when he meets Him (on the Day of Resurrection)." [Agreed upon]

Explanation of Terms

"Firm oath" (yahlifu yamīnan) refers to a solemn oath taken in Allah's name.

"Knowingly, intentionally" indicates full awareness and deliberate action, excluding mistakes or forgetfulness.

"Taking by it property" means acquiring wealth or possessions through this false oath.

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith establishes the grave sin of false oaths used to usurp Muslim property. Scholars explain that such an act combines multiple major sins: false testimony, usurpation of rights, and taking Allah's name in vain.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes in Bulugh al-Maram that the severity lies in using what should be a means of establishing truth (the oath) as an instrument of falsehood and oppression.

The phrase "Allah will be angry with him" indicates the ultimate consequence - divine wrath on Judgment Day, which is among the most severe punishments.

Legal Implications

This hadith forms the basis for prohibiting all forms of property acquisition through false oaths.

Scholars derive from this that any property taken through such means must be returned to its rightful owner.

The perpetrator must sincerely repent, as mere return of property without repentance does not remove the sin of having sworn falsely by Allah's name.

Spiritual Lessons

This teaching emphasizes the sanctity of both Muslim property and Allah's name.

It warns against the dangerous combination of greed and religious hypocrisy.

The hadith serves as a powerful reminder that no worldly gain is worth divine anger in the Hereafter.