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Text and translation
English translation
2706. It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: "A man came to the Prophet ﷺ and said: 'O Messenger of Allāh, tell me, which of the people has most right to my good companionship?' He said: 'Yes, by your father, you will certainly be told.'[1] He said: 'Your mother.' He said, 'Then who?' He said: 'Then your mother.' He said: 'Then who?' He said: 'Then your mother.' He said: 'Then who?' He said: 'Then your father.' He said: 'Tell me, O Messenger of Allāh, about my wealth – how should I give in charity?' He said: 'Yes, by Allāh, you will certainly be told. You should give in charity when
you are still healthy and greedy for wealth, hoping for a long life and fearing poverty. Do not tarry until your soul reaches here and you say: "My wealth is for so-and-so," and "My wealth is for so-and-so," and it will be for them even though you dislike that." (Sahih)
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Footnotes
1
[1] The commentaries say that it was either the type of statement that comes upon the tongue without intending its actual meaning, or, that this was stated prior to the narrations which forbid swearing by one's father. And some of them said that narrations such as this prove that the prohibition for swearing by one's father are intended to censure, not to make it absolutely prohibited. The second view appears most likely, and is the safest view, and indeed Allāh knows best.
Commentary
To emphasize one's point swearing by Allāh is legal.
Before answering the question, saying words as a start of the talk attracts the listener's attention, as the Noble Prophet ﷺ said, "Yes you will certainly be told."
An oath can only be taken by the Name of Allāh. It is not legal to take an oath over other than Allāh's Name, as in authentic Ahādīth it has been made clear. The Prophet ﷺ said; "Verily! Allāh ﷻ forbids you to swear by your fathers. If one has to take an oath he should swear by Allāh or keep quite." (Sahih Al-Bukhārī: 6108.) In this Hadīth the oath taken by the father is either before the time when it was prohibited, or just a part of Arabian culture, as a habitual custom. It was common in Arabia that during conversation some additional words or phrases without any particular intention were added.
