Taking the oath of Zhihar while being truthful in his saying

543

Q: I was living with a friend of mine, but we argued with each other about a vessel which he accused me of breaking. When he insisted that I had broken it even though I did not, I said hastily: "My sister will be like my wife or my wife like my sister if I am the one who has broken it.'' Because I was certain that I did not break it, I uttered this statement. I am afraid of committing a sin. I live away from my family. Is this statement considered Zhihar (a man likening his wife to an unmarriageable relative)? I hope Your Eminence would give me a satisfactory answer. It is worth mentioning that my wife does not live with me in my workplace; she lives in my homeland. I am Muslim and I perform Salah (Prayer), observe Sawm (Fast), (Part No. 20; Page No. 287) and fear Allah, but this is what has happened. Please, save me from torment on the Judgment Day.

A: If the reality is as you mentioned, your oath of Zhihar is not effective because you took this oath - by likening your sister to your wife or your wife to your sister - while you were telling the truth. However, we advise you to take care of this in the future, because Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) has described Zhihar as being an objectionable statement and falsehood. We seek refuge with Allah (Exalted be He) from the incitements of Satan. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.