Is it permissible to swear by the Prophet in colloquial language without intending it as an oath?
The imams have agreed that swearing by a created being is prohibited and not binding, due to the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "Whoever takes an oath, let him swear by Allah or remain silent." Scholars have only differed concerning swearing by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and there are two opinions regarding this in Imam Ahmad's madhhab. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah views that obligating expiation for swearing by a created being is a weak opinion and contrary to foundational principles and texts, and that the majority of imams hold that an oath is not binding at all when sworn by a created being. What is excluded from this prohibition is if the tongue slips into swearing by other than Allah unintentionally, in which case there is no sin upon the one who does it, but he must be mindful and guard his oath.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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