The twelfth and thirteenth books, on vows (al-nazar) and oaths (al-aiman), respectively, can be treated together.  Muhammad discourages taking vows, for a vow �neither hastens anything nor defers anything� (4020).  Allah has no need of a man�s vows.  A man once took a vow to walk on foot to the Ka�ba, but Muhammad said that �Allah is indifferent to his inflicting upon himself chastisement,� and �commanded him to ride� (4029).

Muhammad also forbids believers to swear by LAt or �UzzA or by their fathers.  �Do not swear by idols, nor by your father,� says Muhammad (4043).  But he allows you to swear by God, something which Jesus forbade.  �He who has to take an oath, he must take it by Allah or keep quiet,� Muhammad says (4038).

author : ram swarup