Swearing by the word 'honestly'

A: If none of them intended by the word "honesty" to swear by someone other than Allah, but just wanted to be honest with one another, there is no harm in this. However, if their intention was swearing by honesty, it would be considered swearing by something other than Allah, which is minor Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) and one of the gravest major sins. It was related on the authority of `Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, He who swears by anyone other than Allah is a disbeliever or a Mushrik (one who associates others with Allah in His Divinity or worship). Ibn Mas`ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "I would rather swear falsely by Allah than swear by someone other than Allah even if truthfully."May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.