Abu Huraira reported the Prophet as saying that if anyone swears an oath in the course of which he says, “By al-Lat and al-‘Uzza”, he should say, “There is no god but God”; and that if anyone says to his friend, “Come and let me play for money with you”, he should pay sadaqa. (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Commentary on Oaths and Shirk
This hadith from Mishkat al-Masabih 3409 addresses two critical matters: the prohibition of swearing by false deities and the expiation for gambling invitations. The Prophet's instruction to immediately recite the shahadah after mistakenly swearing by al-Lat and al-Uzza serves as both correction and spiritual purification, reaffirming tawhid and cleansing the tongue from shirk.
Historical Context of Pre-Islamic Deities
Al-Lat and al-Uzza were prominent idols worshipped by pre-Islamic Arabs in Mecca. The Prophet's swift correction demonstrates Islam's complete rejection of polytheism. Scholars explain that swearing by other than Allah constitutes minor shirk, requiring immediate repentance through affirming divine unity.
Expiation for Gambling Proposals
The second portion addresses gambling (maysir), which Islam strictly prohibits. The requirement to give sadaqa (charity) serves as both expiation and deterrent. Classical jurists differ on the amount, with many recommending the equivalent of one's gambling stake be given to purify wealth and discourage this harmful practice.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This tradition establishes important legal principles: verbal oaths must reference Allah alone, and any involvement with gambling requires expiation. The pairing of these rulings in one hadith highlights how speech and financial dealings both require constant purification to maintain proper Islamic conduct.