Theme: Business Etiquette in Islam

Allah’s messenger (ﷺ) said:

“Beware of excessive swearing in sale transactions, for it sells (the goods) and erases (the blessing)”.

Narrated by Abu Qatadah Al-Ansari

(Source: Sahih Muslim, hadith No. 1607)

From the hadith above, the Prophet (ﷺ) warned us from swearing too much when buying and selling even if you are truthful. This is because excessive swearing may most likely lead to lying.

Gaining one’s trust might be the reason why people have the tendency to do sworn statements. A daily example that we can picture is when some sellers persuade buyers by swearing upon Allah’s name in a simple transaction such as “In the name of Allah, these oranges are sweet”. Although the statement may be the truth, this action is still considered makruh.

Nonetheless, swearing oaths in buying and selling should not be taken lightly as Allah disdains those kinds of individuals. It is mentioned in surah Ail ‘Imran, verse 77: “Verily, those who purchase a small gain at the cost of Allâh’s Covenant and their oaths, they shall have no portion in the Hereafter (Paradise). Neither will Allâh speak to them, nor look at them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them, and they shall have a painful torment”.