Swearing by an idol-temple

Question

Question: A quarrel arose between Zayd and ‘Umar over some matter. To settle it, two to four Hindu brothers and some Muslim brothers sat at some distance from a certain shrine. When Zayd’s statement was taken, Zayd said what he had said; and when ‘Umar’s statement was taken, he placed his hand on this idol-temple and said: “Whatever I say is entirely correct, I swear by this idol-temple.” The request is: has such an oath, which ‘Umar swore while being a Muslim, caused any harm to his Islam and faith (iman)

Answer

If one swears when a need arises, one should swear by Allah Most High and His attributes. Swearing by anything other than Allah — and that, by an idol-temple — is by no means permissible; it is a grave sin. In the case described the danger is greater, therefore let him be made to renew his faith (tajdid al-iman) and renew his nikah (tajdid al-nikah)

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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