Is swearing "by God, it belongs to the company," with the intention of meaning "the load, not the vehicle," considered an oath? And what is its expiation?
The intention behind an oath is based on the intention of the one who administers it, for the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "The oath is based on the intention of the one who administers it." However, if the swearer is wronged, then the oath is based on his own intention, according to the majority of scholars. Accordingly, if the office manager is not unjust, then repentance is obligatory for the false oath (al-yameen al-ghamus), which is too grave to be expiated by the compensation mentioned in Surat Al-Ma'idah: "Its expiation is the feeding of ten poor people from the average of that which you feed your own families, or clothing them, or the freeing of a slave. But he who finds not [the means to do so] – then a fast of three days. That is the expiation for your oaths when you have sworn. And guard your oaths. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be grateful" (Al-Ma'idah: 89). Others are of the view that its expiation is like any other oath.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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