Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "There will be three types of people whom Allah will neither speak to them on
the Day of Resurrection nor will purify them from sins, and they will have a painful punishment: They
are, (1) a man possessed superfluous water (more than he needs) on a way and he withholds it from
the travelers. (2) a man who gives a pledge of allegiance to an Imam (ruler) and gives it only for
worldly benefits, if the Imam gives him what he wants, he abides by his pledge, otherwise he does not
fulfill his pledge; (3) and a man who sells something to another man after the `Asr prayer and swears
by Allah (a false oath) that he has been offered so much for it whereupon the buyer believes him and
buys it although in fact, the seller has not been offered such a price." (See Hadith No. 838, Vol. 3)
Narrated by Narrated Abu Huraira:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) outlines three types of individuals who will face severe consequences on the Day of Judgment. The first is someone who hoards water, denying it to travelers in need. The second is a person who pledges allegiance to a leader only for personal gain, breaking their promise if their desires are unmet. The third is a seller who deceives a buyer with false oaths. This hadith emphasizes the importance of honesty and moral responsibility in our dealings with others.
Modern Application
In today's world, this hadith reminds us of the importance of integrity in our transactions. Whether in business or personal interactions, being truthful and fair can foster trust and community. Upholding honesty not only benefits individuals but also strengthens societal bonds.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Divine Punishment and Moral Responsibility because it highlights the severe consequences for those who act unjustly and fail to uphold their moral duties.
Indeed, those who exchange the covenant of Allah and their [own] oaths for a small price will have no share in the Hereafter, and Allah will not speak to them or look at them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them; and they will have a painful punishment.
And of the people is he who buys the amusement of speech to mislead [others] from the way of Allah without knowledge and who takes it in ridicule. Those will have a humiliating punishment.
Indeed, those who pledge allegiance to you, [O Muhammad] - they are actually pledging allegiance to Allah. The hand of Allah is over their hands. So he who breaks his word only breaks it to the detriment of himself. And he who fulfills that which he has promised Allah - He will give him a great reward.
Allah will not impose blame upon you for what is meaningless in your oaths, but He will impose blame upon you for [breaking] what you intended of oaths. So its expiation is the feeding of ten needy people from the average of that which you feed your [own] families or clothing them or the freeing of a slave. But whoever cannot find [or afford it] - then a fast of three days [is required]. That is the expiation for oaths when you have sworn. But guard your oaths. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be grateful.
They swear by Allah that they did not say [anything against the Prophet] while they had said the word of disbelief and disbelieved after their [pretense of] Islam and planned that which they were not to attain. And they were not resentful except [for the fact] that Allah and His Messenger had enriched them of His bounty. So if they repent, it is better for them; but if they turn away, Allah will punish them with a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter. And there will not be for them on earth any protector or helper.