Swearing by an Idol-Temple

Question

A quarrel arose between Zayd and ‘Umar over some matter. To settle it, a few Hindu brethren and some Muslim brethren sat down at some distance from a certain shrine. When Zayd was put on his word, he said whatever he had to say; and when ‘Umar was put on his word, he placed his hand on that idol-temple and said, “Whatever I say is entirely true — by this idol-temple I swear.” The request is: ‘Umar, being a Muslim, swore such an oath — has no harm been done thereby to his Islam and iman?

Answer

If an oath must be sworn when the need arises, it should be sworn by Allah Most High and His attributes. Swearing by anything other than Allah — and swearing by an idol-temple at that — is by no means permissible; it is a grave sin.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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