Qasam

The Qasam, or the "Oath," is a prominent rhetorical and theological feature of the Quranic style, where Allah (SWT) swears by various elements of His creation,such as the sun, the moon, the dawn, or the fig and the olive,to emphasize a following statement known as the "Jawab al-Qasam" (the answer to the oath). While Allah does not need an oath to prove His truthfulness, the Qasam serves as a powerful linguistic tool to grab the listener's attention, highlight the sanctity of the object sworn by, and underscore the gravity of the truth that is about to be delivered. It is an "Ayah" (sign) of the majesty of the Creator and the importance of the message.

Theologically, the objects that Allah swears by are often signs of His power and the regularity of the natural order. For instance, swearing by "the time" (Al-Asr) or "the night as it covers" (Al-Layl) invites the reader to ponder the fleeting nature of life and the transition of states. The Qasam often precedes a significant warning or a promise regarding the Resurrection or the accountability of human actions. Scholars of "Tafsir" (exegesis) note that whenever Allah swears by something, He is honoring that object and pointing to its role in the grander Divine Plan. For the believer, the Qasam serves to increase "Yaqin" (certainty); it is a "Ta’kid" (emphasis) that leaves no room for doubt in the heart of the "Mu’min" (believer).

For the Ummah, the study of the Quranic oaths is a means of "Tadhakkur" (reflection). It encourages an observational and appreciative relationship with the natural world, seeing every celestial body and every moment of time as a witness to Divine Truth. It teaches the believer the weight of their own words and the importance of truthfulness in their daily lives. In Islamic law, taking an oath in the name of Allah is a solemn act that carries significant legal and moral consequences. By studying the Qasam in the Quran, the community learns the "Adab" (etiquette) of language and the necessity of aligning one's speech with the truth. It reinforces the idea that the Quran is a "Mu'jiz" (miracle) of eloquence, where every linguistic device,including the oath,is perfectly employed to guide the human soul toward its Creator.