Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said to us while we were in a gathering, "Give me the oath (Pledge of allegiance for:
(1) Not to join anything in worship along with Allah, (2) Not to steal, (3) Not to commit illegal sexual
intercourse, (4) Not to kill your children, (5) Not to accuse an innocent person (to spread such an
accusation among people), (6) Not to be disobedient (when ordered) to do good deeds. The Prophet (ﷺ)
added: Whoever amongst you fulfill his pledge, his reward will be with Allah, and whoever commits
any of those sins and receives the legal punishment in this world for that sin, then that punishment will
be an expiation for that sin, and whoever commits any of those sins and Allah does not expose him,
then it is up to Allah if He wishes He will punish him or if He wishes, He will forgive him." So we
gave the Pledge for that. (See Hadith No. 17, Vol. 1)
Narrated by Narrated 'Ubada bin As-Samit:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) addresses his companions, outlining the fundamental principles of Islam that they must uphold. He emphasizes the importance of monotheism, honesty, and moral conduct, while also highlighting the consequences of failing to adhere to these principles. The pledge taken by the companions signifies their commitment to these values, which are essential for a harmonious society.
Modern Application
Today, this hadith encourages individuals to reflect on their ethical and moral responsibilities. By adhering to these principles in our daily lives, we contribute to a just and compassionate community, fostering trust and respect among one another.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prophetic Authority and Oaths and Vows because it illustrates the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) role in guiding his followers and the significance of the pledge they took to uphold key Islamic values.
O Prophet, when the believing women come to you pledging to you that they will not associate anything with Allah, nor will they steal, nor will they commit unlawful sexual intercourse, nor will they kill their children, nor will they bring forth a slander they have invented between their arms and legs, nor will they disobey you in what is right - then accept their pledge and ask forgiveness for them of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
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.
Say, "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you. [He commands] that you not associate anything with Him, and to parents, good treatment, and do not kill your children out of poverty; We will provide for you and them. And do not approach immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed. And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed] except by [legal] right. This has He instructed you that you may use reason."
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.
And those who do not invoke with Allah another deity or kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed], except by right, and do not commit unlawful sexual intercourse. And whoever should do that will meet a penalty.