The Importance of Peace (Hadith No. 2356)

Bismillah.

Volume 3, Book 49, Number 858 :
Narrated by Sahl bin Sad (radiallaahu `anhu)
Once the people of Quba fought with each other till they threw stones on each other. When Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) was informed about it, he said, “Let us go to bring about a reconciliation between them.”

Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) was the leader, head of state. It was part of his job to keep peace among people. As soon as he heard about the fight, he instantly wanted to set off to help clear the matter.. and it seems like he took others along with him, as if preparing them for future responsibilities.

Reconciling between people is an important issue in Islam, one which brings a great deal of reward. There is also a stern warning against sewing discord between people. Because of the importance of reconciling people in the Muslim society and the seriousness of discord and conflict, Allaah has permitted lying in order to reconcile between people and to remove discord and conflict which may have negative consequences for the religious commitment of individuals and communities.

It was narrated from Abu’l-Darda’ (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Shall I not tell you of something that is better than fasting, prayer and charity?” They said: Yes. He said: “Reconciling between two people, for discord between people is the shaver.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, who said: this is a hasan hadeeth. And it is narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “It is the shaver, and I do not say that it shaves hair, rather that it shaves religious commitment.” End quote.

Whomsoever Allaah honours and enables him to reconcile between Muslims, if he needs to tell lies in order to reconcile between them, there is no sin on him for that, and it is not permissible to describe him as a liar, because the matter is serious; it is the matter of shar’i interests which means that in this case, lying is permissible, as it is narrated in al-Saheehayn from the hadeeth of Umm Kalthoom bint ‘Uqbah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that she heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “He is not a liar who reconciles between people, conveying good messages and saying good things.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2546; Muslim, 2605

Taken from IslamQA

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White Lies (Hadith No. 2355)

Bismillah.

Volume 3, Book 49, Number 857 :
Narrated by Um Kulthum bint Uqba (radiallaahu `anhaa)
That she heard Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) saying, “He who makes peace between the people by inventing good information or saying good things, is not a liar.”

The basic principle concerning telling lies is that it is one of the signs of the hypocrites, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The signs of the hypocrite are three: when he speaks, he lies, when he makes a promise he breaks it, and when he is entrusted with something he breaks that trust.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 32; Muslim, 89.

But there are some instances in which Islam permits lying, if that serves a greater purpose or wards off a greater harm:

These cases include the following:

1-     When a person is intermediating in order to bring about reconciliation between two disputing parties.

2-     When a man speaks to his wife, or a wife to her husband, concerning matters that will increase the love between them.

3-     War.

It was narrated that Asma’ bint Yazeed said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Lies are not appropriate except in three cases: when a man speaks to his wife to please her, telling lies at times of war, and lying in order to bring about reconciliation between people.”

Shaykh al-Albaani said: it is hasan.

Taken from IslamQA

Read about white lies here.

Peacemaking (Hadith No. 2354)

Bismillah.

Ahadith 2349 – 2353 are repeats. See linked text for related posts.

Volume 3, Book 48, Number 851 :
Narrated by An-Nu’man bin Bashir (radiallaahu `anhu)
The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “The example of the person abiding by Allah’s orders and limits (or the one who abides by the limits and regulations prescribed by Allah) in comparison to the one who do wrong and violate Allah’s limits and orders is like the example of people drawing lots for seats in a boat. Some of them got seats in the upper part while the others in the lower part ; those in the, lower part have to pass by those in the upper one to get water, and that troubled the latter. One of them (i.e. the people in the lower part) took an axe and started making a hole in the bottom of the boat. The people of the upper part came and asked him, (saying), ‘What is wrong with you?’ He replied, “You have been troubled much by my (coming up to you), and I have to get water.’ Now if they prevent him from doing that they will save him and themselves, but if they leave him (to do what he wants), they will destroy him and themselves.”

Volume 3, Book 48, Number 852 :
Narrated by Um Al-Ala
That when the Ansar drew lots as to which of the emigrants should dwell with which of the Ansar, the name of Uthman bin Mazun (radiallaahu `anhu) came out (to be in their lot). Um Al-Ala further said, “Uthman stayed with us, and we nursed him when he got sick, but he died. We shrouded him in his clothes, and Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) came to our house and I said, (addressing the dead ‘Uthman), ‘O Abu As-Sa’ib! May Allah be merciful to you. I testify that Allah has blessed you.’ The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said to me, “How do you know that Allah has blessed him?” I replied, ‘I do not know O Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)! May my parents be sacrificed for you.’ Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, ‘As regards Uthman, by Allah he has died and I really wish him every good, yet, by Allah, although I am Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam), I do not know what will be done to him.’ Um Al-Ala added, ‘By Allah I shall never attest the piety of anybody after him. And what Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said made me sad.” Um Al-Ala further said, “Once I slept and saw in a dream, a flowing stream for Uthman. So I went to Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) and told him about it, he said, ‘That is (the symbol of) his deeds.”

Volume 3, Book 48, Number 853 :
Narrated by Aisha (radiallaahu `anhaa)
Whenever Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) intended to go on a journey, he used to draw lots among his wives and would take with him the one on whom the lot fell. He also used to fix for everyone of his wives a day and a night, but Sauda bint Zam’a (radiallaahu `anhaa) gave her day and night to ‘Aisha (radiallaahu `anhaa), the wife of the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) intending thereby to please Allah’s Apostle. [See no. 766 in this post.]

Volume 3, Book 48, Number 854 :
Narrated by Abu Huraira (radiallaahu `anhu)
Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “If the people knew what is the reward of making the call (for the prayer) and (of being in) the first row (in the prayer), and if they found no other way to get this privilege except by casting lots, they would certainly cast lots for it. If they knew the reward of the noon prayer, they would race for it, and if they knew the reward of the morning (i.e. Fajr) and Isha prayers, they would present themselves for the prayer even if they had to crawl to reach there.

Book of Witnesses [Kitaab-ush-Shahaadaat] ends here.

Book of Peacemaking [Kitaab-us-Sulh] starts today..

Volume 3, Book 49, Number 855 :
Narrated by Sahl bin Sad (radiallaahu `anhu)
There was a dispute amongst the people of the tribe of Bani ‘Amr bin ‘Auf. The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) went to them along with some of his companions in order to make peace between them. The time for the prayer became due but the Prophet did not turn up; Bilal (radiallaahu `anhu) pronounced the Adhan (i.e. call) for the prayer but the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) did not turn up, so Bilal (radiallaahu `anhu) went to Abu Bakr (radiallaahu `anhu) and said, “The time for the prayer is due and the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) is detained, would you lead the people in the prayer?” Abu Bakr (radiallaahu `anhu) replied, “Yes, if you wish.” So, Bilal (radiallaahu `anhu) pronounced the Iqama of the prayer and Abu Bakr (radiallaahu `anhu) went ahead (to lead the prayer), but the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) came walking among the rows till he joined the first row. The people started clapping and they clapped too much, and Abu Bakr (radiallaahu `anhu) used not to look hither and thither in the prayer, but he turned round and saw the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) standing behind him. The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) beckoned him with his hand to keep on praying where he was. Abu Bakr (radiallaahu `anhu) raised his hand and praised Allah and then retreated till he came in the (first) row, and the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) went ahead and lead the people in the prayer. When the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) finished the prayer, he turned towards the people and said, “O people! When something happens to you during the prayer, you start clapping. Really, clapping is (permissible) for women only. If something happens to one of you in his prayer, he should say: ‘Subhan Allah’, (Glorified be Allah), for whoever hears him (saying so) will direct his attention towards him. O Abu Bakr! What prevented you from leading the people in the prayer when I beckoned to you (to continue)?” Abu Bakr (radiallaahu `anhu) replied, “It did not befit the son of Abu Quhafa to lead the prayer in front of the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam).

Today’s Hadith:

Volume 3, Book 49, Number 856 :
Narrated by Anas (radiallaahu `anhu)
It was said to the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) “Would that you see Abdullah bin Ubai.” So, the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) went to him, riding a donkey, and the Muslims accompanied him, walking on salty barren land. When the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) reached ‘Abdullah bin Ubai, the latter said, “Keep away from me! By Allah, the bad smell of your donkey has harmed me.” On that an Ansari man said (to ‘Abdullah), “By Allah! The smell of the donkey of Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) is better than your smell.” On that a man from ‘Abdullah’s tribe got angry for ‘Abdullah’s sake, and the two men abused each other which caused the friends of the two men to get angry, and the two groups started fighting with sticks, shoes and hands. We were informed that the following Divine Verse was revealed (in this concern):– “And if two groups of Believers fall to fighting then, make peace between them.” (49.9)

There is an apparent problem with this hadith that the scholars have reconciled in different ways.

Problem: this ayah was not revealed after this incident because it took place in the very beginning in Madinah, and Surah al-Hujuraat was revealed in the later stages. Furthermore, the people of Abdullah ibn Ubayy were not Muslims yet and that is why the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) went to them – to give da’wah, and the ayah talks about “two Muslim groups”.

Explanations:

1. Anas (radiallaahu `anhu) gives this ayah as evidence instead of stating the reason for its revelation. Read its tafsir for details.
2. There were some Muslims among Ibn Ubayy’s people and Allah was referring to them in this ayah, because his hypocrisy wasn’t exposed yet.
3. Anas (radiallaahu `anhu) uses the word “ballaghanaa” (بلغنا) while narrating this hadith which means “it reached us”.. so it’s unclear whom it came from and how sound the report was.

Whichever one it is, Allah knows best. But it’s definitely intriguing!

P.S. what a disrespectful way to talk to the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam): “Keep away from me! By Allah, the bad smell of your donkey has harmed me.” -_-

Qur’an, Torah and Gospel (Hadith No. 2348)

Bismillah.

Volume 3, Book 48, Number 850 :
Narrated by Ubaidullah bin Abdullah bin Utba
Ibn Abbas (radiallaahu `anhu) said, “O Muslims? How do you ask the people of the Scriptures, though your Book (i.e. the Quran) which was revealed to His Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) is the most recent information from Allah and you recite it, the Book that has not been distorted? Allah has revealed to you that the people of the scriptures have changed with their own hands what was revealed to them and they have said (as regards their changed Scriptures): This is from Allah, in order to get some worldly benefit thereby.” Ibn Abbas (radiallaahu `anhu) added: “Isn’t the knowledge revealed to you sufficient to prevent you from asking them? By Allah I have never seen any one of them asking (Muslims) about what has been revealed to you.”

Do we believe in the “Holy Books” present today?

We Muslims do not believe that there is any contradiction between the Holy Qur’an and the original Torah and Gospel, because we believe that they are all divinely revealed books that were sent down from Allah, may He be glorified. Thus they came from the same source, and as that is the case there cannot be any contradiction or conflict between them, as Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Do they not then consider the Quran carefully? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much contradictions”

[an-Nisa’ 4:82].

Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, describes the Holy Qur’an as “confirming” the Books that came before it, and that which confirms something cannot contradict or conflict with it. Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

“It is He Who has sent down the Book (the Quran) to you (Muhammad SAW) with truth, confirming what came before it. And he sent down the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel).

Aforetime, as a guidance to mankind, And He sent down the criterion (of judgement between right and wrong (this Quran)).”

[Aal ‘Imraan 3:3-4]

“And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad SAW) the Book (this Quran) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and Mohayminan (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it (old Scriptures)”

[al-Maa’idah 5:48].

As for what we see nowadays of contradictions in the copies of the Torah and Gospel that are extant today, the reason for that is clear and obvious. It is because these two Books have fallen prey to distortion and alteration, with things being taken away, added and changed. That is in addition to the fact that the sources and manuscripts that have come down to us today cannot be trusted. This is what explains any differences that researchers or students find between these two Books and the Holy Qur’an which has been transmitted to us in a mutawaatir fashion (i.e., narrated by so many from so many that it is inconceivable that they could all have agreed upon a lie), as is attested by both believers and nonbelievers.

Can we read them?

Reading these distorted books is not permissible, except for one who has enough Islamic knowledge to be able to distinguish between truth and falsehood in them, and who reads them with the aim of refuting their followers and convincing them that what is in these books is falsehood.

Hence the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) got angry when he saw a book in the hand of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) that he had taken from some of the People of the Book. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Are you in doubt of it, O son of al-Khattab? By the One in Whose hand is my soul, I have brought to you that which is white and pure, and by the One in Whose hand is my soul, if Musa ((peace be upon him) were alive, he could do nothing but follow me.” [Imam Ahmad].

Allah has told us that these people are plotting and that they will do all that they can to take the Muslims away from their religion. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And they will never cease fighting you until they turn you back from your religion (Islamic Monotheism) if they can.” [2:217]

Shaykh al-S’adi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

Allah tells us that they will never stop fighting the believers, and that their aim is not to steal their wealth or kill them; rather their aim is to turn them back from their religion so that they will become disbelievers after having believed, and so that they will be doomed to Hell. So they are doing all that they can to achieve this and striving as hard as they can, but Allah will not allow except that His Light should be perfected even though the Kafirun (disbelievers) hate (it) [9:32].

This description is general and applies to all the disbelievers. They will not cease to fight others until they turn them back from their religion, especially the People of the Book, the Jews and Christians, who set up organizations and send missionaries and doctors, and build schools in order to attract people to their religion and to introduce to them whatever they can of specious arguments which will make them doubt their religion.

But hope comes from Allah Who has blessed the believers with Islam and has chosen for them His true religion, and has perfected His religion for them, and has completed His blessings upon them, and has thwarted everyone who wants to extinguish His light, caused their plans to fail, supported His religion and made His word supreme.

This verse speaks the truth about these disbelievers as it speaks the truth about those who came before them (interpretation of the meaning): “Verily, those who disbelieve spend their wealth to hinder (men) from the path of Allah, and so will they continue to spend it; but in the end it will become an anguish for them. Then they will be overcome. And those who disbelieve will be gathered unto Hell.” [8:36] End quote. Tafsir al-S’adi.

Taken from IslamQA, and this.

Of Honesty and Oaths (Ahadith 2331 – 2347)

Bismillah.

This post contains some repeated narrations and some new. Since they were all more or less related to one theme, I decided to combine them in post. Look for hyper-linked text to see previously covered ahadith.

Volume 3, Book 48, Number 833 :
Narrated by Abu Said Al-Khudri (radiallaahu `anhu)
The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “Bath on Friday is compulsory for those who have attained the age of puberty.”

This one’s more related to yesterday’s post, since it talks about puberty and things associated to it.

Volume 3, Book 48, Number 834 :
Narrated by Abdullah (radiallaahu `anhu)
Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “If somebody takes a false oath in order to get the property of a Muslim (unjustly) by that oath, then Allah will be angry with him when he will meet Him.” Al-Ash’ath (radiallaahu `anhu) informed me, “By Allah! This was said regarding me. There was a dispute about a piece of land between me and a man from the Jews who denied my right. I took him to the Prophet. Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) asked me, ‘Do you have an evidence?’ I replied in the negative. He said to the Jew, ‘Take an oath.’ I said, ‘O Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)! He will surely take an oath and take my property unjustly.” So, Allah revealed: “Verily! Those who purchase a little gain at the cost of Allah’s covenant and their oaths . . . ” (3.77)

Volume 3, Book 48, Number 835 :
Narrated by Ibn Abu Mulaika
Ibn ‘Abbas (radiallaahu `anhu) wrote that the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) gave his verdict on the basis of the defendant’s oath.

Volume 3, Book 48, Number 836 :
Narrated by Abu Wail
Abdullah (bin Mas’ud) (radiallaahu `anhu) said, “Whoever takes a (false) oath in order to grab some property (unjustly), Allah will be angry with him when he will meet Him. Allah confirmed that through His Divine Revelation: “Verily! Those who purchase a little gain at the cost of Allah’s covenant and their oaths . . . they will have a painful punishment.” (3.77) Al-Ash’ath bin Qais (radiallaahu `anhu) came to us and asked, ‘What is Abu Abdur-Rahman (i.e. ‘Abdullah) telling you? ‘We told him what he was narrating to us. He said, ‘He was telling the truth; this Divine Verse was revealed in connection with me. There was a dispute between me and another man about something and the case was filed before Allah’s Apostle who said, ‘Produce your two witnesses or else the defendant is to take an oath.’ I said, The defendant will surely take a (false) oath caring for nothing.’ The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, ‘Whoever takes a false oath in order to grab (other’s) property, then Allah will be angry with him when he will meet Him.’ Then Allah revealed its confirmation. Al-Ashath then recited the above Divine Verse.” (3.77)

Volume 3, Book 48, Number 837 :
Narrated by Ibn Abbas (radiallaahu `anhu)
Hilal bin Umaiya accused his wife before the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) of committing illegal sexual intercourse with Sharik bin Sahma.’ The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “Produce a proof, or else you would get the legal punishment (by being lashed) on your back.” Hilal said, “O Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)! If anyone of us saw another man over his wife, would he go to search for a proof.” The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) went on saying, “Produce a proof or else you would get the legal punishment (by being lashed) on your back.” The Prophet then mentioned the narration of Lian (as in the Holy Book). (Surat-al-Nur: 24)

Volume 3, Book 48, Number 838 :
Narrated by Abu Huraira (radiallaahu `anhu)
Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “There are three persons whom Allah will neither talk to nor look at, nor purify from (the sins), and they will have a painful punishment. (They are): (1) A man possessed superfluous water on a way and he withheld it from the travelers. (2) a man who gives a pledge of allegiance to a Muslim ruler and gives it only for worldly gains. If the ruler gives him what he wants, he remains obedient to It, otherwise he does not abide by it, and (3) a man bargains with another man after the Asr prayer and the latter takes a false oath in the Name of Allah) claiming that he has been offered so much for the thing and the former (believes him and) buys it.”

Volume 3, Book 48, Number 839 :
Narrated by Ibn Mas’ud (radiallaahu `anhu)
The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “Whoever takes a (false) oath in order to grab (others) property, then Allah will be angry with him when he will meet Him.”

Volume 3, Book 48, Number 840 :
Narrated by Abu Huraira (radiallaahu `anhu)
The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) asked some people to take an oath, and they hurried for it. The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) ordered that lots should be drawn amongst them as to who would take an oath first.

Volume 3, Book 48, Number 841 :
Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin Abu Aufa (radiallaahu `anhu)
A man displayed some goods in the market and took a false oath that he had been offered so much for them though he was not offered that amount Then the following Divine Verse was revealed:– “Verily! Those who purchase a little gain at the cost of Allah’s covenant and their oaths . . . Will get painful punishment.” (3.77) Ibn Abu Aufa added, “Such person as described above is a treacherous Riba-eater (i.e. eater of usury).

Volume 3, Book 48, Number 842 :
Narrated by Abu Wail from Abdullah (radiallaahu `anhu)
The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “Whoever takes a false oath in order to grab another man’s (or his brother’s) property, then Allah will be angry with him when he will meet him.” Then Allah confirmed this by revealing the Divine Verse: “Verily! Those who purchase a little gain at the cost of Allah’s Covenant and their oaths . . . Will get painful punishment.” (3.77) Al-Ash’ath met me and asked, “What did ‘Abdullah tell you today?” I said, “So and so.” He said, “The Verse was revealed regarding my case.”

Volume 3, Book 48, Number 843 :
Narrated by Talha bin ‘Ubaidullah (radiallaahu `anhu)
A man came to Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) asking him about Islam, Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “You have to offer five compulsory prayers in a day and a night (24 hours).” The man asked, “Is there any more compulsory prayers for me?” Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “No, unless you like to offer Nawafil (i.e. optional prayers).” Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) then added, “You have to observe fasts during the month of Ramadan.” The man said, “Am I to fast any other days?’ Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “No, unless you wish to observe the optional fast voluntarily.” Then Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) told him about the compulsory Zakat. The man asked, “Do I have to give anything besides?” Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “No, unless you wish to give in charity voluntarily.” So, the man departed saying, “By Allah I will neither do more nor less than that.” Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “If he has said the truth he will be successful.”

Volume 3, Book 48, Number 844 :
Narrated by Abdullah (radiallaahu `anhu)
The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “Whoever has to take an oath should swear by Allah or remain silent.” (i.e. He should not swear by other than Allah.)

It is not permissible to swear by any created thing. One should swear only by Allaah. One should not say “By my honesty I will do such and such”, or “by the honesty of So and so”, or “by the life of So and so” or “by my prayer”. Nor should one ask anyone else to do this and tell them, “Say ‘by my honesty/by my prayer/ by my zakaah.’” There is no basis for any of this, because prayer is the action of a person and zakaah is the action of a person, and people’s actions are not something to swear by. One should swear only by Allaah or by His attributes. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever swears by anything other than Allaah has committed shirk.” (Narrated by Imaam Ahmad with a saheeh isnaad from ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him)). And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever swears by honesty is not one of us.” So every believing man and woman has to beware of that and not swear by anything except Allaah alone, so he should say “Wallaahi (by Allaah) I did not do such and such”, etc., if that is necessary. What is recommended in sharee’ah is to be cautious about swearing oaths, and not to swear except when essential. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And protect your oaths (i.e. do not swear much)”[al-Maa’idah 5:89]

Taken from IslamQA

Volume 3, Book 48, Number 845 :
Narrated by Um Salama (radiallaahu `anhu)
Once Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “You people present your cases to me and some of you may be more eloquent and persuasive in presenting their argument. So, if I give some one’s right to another (wrongly) because of the latter’s (tricky) presentation of the case, I am really giving him a piece of fire; so he should not take it.”

Volume 3, Book 48, Number 846 :
Narrated by Abdullah bin Abbas (radiallaahu `anhu)
Abu Sufyan (radiallaahu `anhu) told me that Heraclius said to him, “When I inquired you what he (i.e. Muhammad) ordered you, you replied that he ordered you to establish the prayer, to speak the truth, to be chaste, to keep promises and to pay back trusts.” Then Heraclius added, “These are really the qualities of a prophet.”

Volume 3, Book 48, Number 847 :
Narrated by Abu Huraira (radiallaahu `anhu)
Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “The signs of a hypocrite are three: (1) whenever he speaks, he tells a lie, (2) whenever he is entrusted, he proves to be dishonest, (3) whenever he promises, he breaks his promise.

Volume 3, Book 48, Number 848 :
Narrated by Muhammad bin Ali
Jabir bin Abdullah (radiallaahu `anhu) said, “When the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) died, Abu Bakr (radiallaahu `anhu) received some property from Al-Ala bin Al-Hadrami. Abu Bakr said to the people, “Whoever has a money claim on the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam), or was promised something by him, should come to us (so that we may pay him his right).” Jabir added, “I said (to Abu Bakr), Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) promised me that he would give me this much, and this much, and this much (spreading his hands three times).” Jabir (radiallaahu `anhu) added, “Abu Bakr (radiallaahu `anhu) counted for me and handed me five-hundred (gold pieces), and then five-hundred, and then five-hundred.”

Volume 3, Book 48, Number 849 :
Narrated by Said bin Jubair (radiallaahu `anhu)
A Jew from Hira asked me which one of the two periods Musa (i.e. Prophet Moses) (`alayhissalaam) completed. I said, “I don’t know, (but wait) till I see the most learned ‘Arab and inquire him about it.” So, I went to Ibn ‘Abbas (radiallaahu `anhu) and asked him. He replied, “Moses (`alayhissalaam) completed the longer and better period.” Ibn ‘Abbas (radiallaahu `anhu) added, “No doubt, an apostle of Allah always does what he says.”

This narration talks about the story when Musa fled from Egypt and came to Madyan.. helped two girls at the well and their father hired him.. he gave Musa two options: that he work for him for 8 or 10 years and the Quran doesn’t mention which tenure he completed.. So Ibn Abbas (radiallaahu `anhu) said that he completed the longer and better period – 10 years. Details in tafsir of Surah al-Qasas: 25 – 28.

It’s brought here because it shows how he was true to his word. #Honesty