Thabit b. ad-Dahhak reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If anyone swears by a religion other than Islam falsely he is like what he has said.* A son of Adam may not take a vow about something which he does not possess, and if anyone kills himself with something in this world he will be punished with it on the day of resurrection. If anyone curses a believer it is like murdering him, if anyone charges a believer with infidelity it is like murdering him, and if anyone makes a false claim to gain much thereby God will give him less instead of more.”(Bukhari and Muslim.)*Opinions differ about the meaning. Some say it means he is a liar, others that he is an infidel.
Commentary on Oaths and Vows
From the esteemed compilation "Mishkat al-Masabih" (Hadith 3410), this profound narration from Thabit b. ad-Dahhak contains multiple critical rulings concerning oaths, vows, and moral conduct that every Muslim must heed.
Swearing by False Religions
The Prophet's warning "if anyone swears by a religion other than Islam falsely he is like what he has said" carries grave implications. Classical scholars interpret this in two ways: either the person becomes a liar of the worst degree, or they risk falling into disbelief by elevating another religion through their oath. The sanctity of Islamic monotheism requires that oaths be sworn only by Allah.
Prohibition of Impossible Vows
"A son of Adam may not take a vow about something which he does not possess" teaches us the importance of realistic commitments. Vows must be within one's capability and ownership. Making vows about others' property or beyond one's means is religiously invalid and demonstrates poor judgment.
Sanctity of Life and Suicide
"If anyone kills himself with something in this world he will be punished with it on the day of resurrection" affirms that suicide constitutes a major sin. The soul is a trust from Allah, and no human has the right to terminate this trust prematurely. The punishment corresponds to the means of self-destruction used.
Verbal Harms and False Accusations
The equation of cursing a believer with murdering him demonstrates the severe spiritual harm of malicious speech. Similarly, charging a believer with infidelity without proof is tantamount to spiritual murder. These teachings protect communal harmony and individual dignity within the Muslim community.
Divine Justice in Worldly Gains
"If anyone makes a false claim to gain much thereby God will give him less instead of more" illustrates Allah's perfect justice. Ill-gotten gains never bring true benefit and ultimately lead to loss in both worlds. Honest dealings, even if they appear less profitable initially, yield greater blessings.