What is the ruling on saying "Aliyya bil-malazim," which is usually said for emphasis?

It is not permissible to swear by other than Allah or by an attribute of His attributes. If the aforementioned phrase is not intended as an oath, then it is not an oath and there is no consequence for its speaker. If it is intended as an oath of allegiance, which was stipulated by Al-Hajjaj and includes swearing by Allah, divorce, manumission, and charity of wealth, then if one did not know it, or knew it but did not intend to عقد اليمين (form the oath) with what it contains, then there is no consequence for him; because a metaphorical expression is not valid except with intention, and one who does not know something cannot validly intend it. If he did intend it, but the phrase is not customarily intended as an oath, then there is no consequence for him.