Interpretation of Sura Cow - Verse 224

224. " And do not make Allah, because of your swearing (by Him) , an obstacle to your doing good and guarding (against evil) and making peace among people; and Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing."

Occasion of Revelation

In many commentary books of the Qur'an including Majma'-ul- Bayan and Ruh-ul-Bayan, the occasion of revelation of this verse shortly is narrated thus: There appeared a dispute between the bridegroom and the daughter of one of the companions of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) by the name of Abdullah-ibn-Rawaheh. He had sworn not to interfere in their affairs and not to make peace between them. The revelation was sent down and prohibited such oaths.

Commentary

The Arabic term / 'ayman/ is the plural form of /yamin/ in the sense of 'oath'; and the word: / 'urdah/ means: ' liable to, object, or impediment ', according to different renderings. The following messages and points can be taken from the above verse:

1- Do not appeal to swearing as a barrier for doing good:

" And do not make Allah, because of your swearing (by Him) , an obstacle to your doing good..." 2- Use no oath as a means for adjusting your escape from your own responsibility; and do not miss good and benevolent actions and, consequently, their rewards thereby.

"...and guarding (against evil) and making peace among people; ..." 3- Do not misuse Allah and His Holy Name in any occasion. This manner is a kind of boldness and impoliteness.

It is narrated from Imam Sadiq (a.s.) who has said:

" Take no oath by Allah whether you are right or wrong ..." 108

4- High values and benevolence should not be abandoned.

5- Beware that Allah hears all statements and He also knows even what have not been uttered, (but they have been thought of) . Then take into account every word and thought of yours.

"... and Allah is All-Hearing, All-knowing." 6. Distributing goodness and benevolence amongst people under the light of piety and virtue, are valuable. Hence, these actions should not be abandoned with the pretext of swearing by His Holy Name. And, basically, being mindful of the value of these good things, such oaths ought not to be taken.

Notes:

108. Majma'-ul-Bayan, vol. 2, p. 322

Adapted from the book: "The Light of The Quran - Interpretation of Sura Al-Baqarah (The Cow)" by: "Sayyid Kamal Faghih Imani and A Group of Muslim Scholars"