Is an oath sworn on the actual photograph of one's sister—but in front of colleagues who demanded the oath be sworn on a photograph from the internet—considered a Yamin Ghamus (a false oath sworn deliberately to deceive)?
The impermissibility of lying and the permissibility of using ambiguous statements (ma'arid) when necessary have been previously explained. This involves uttering a statement that carries two meanings, where one is intended while the other is apparent. If the swearer, when taking an oath, intends his sister's image, this is not considered a perjured oath (yamin ghamus), because the oath is based on the intention of the swearer. However, if it pertains to an oath concerning a right, then the intention is that of the one who administers the oath, based on the saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "Your oath is according to what your companion believes you to be truthful about," and in another narration: "The oath is according to the intention of the one who administers it."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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