Swearing that something will be unlawful

Q: It has recently come to my knowledge that injustices have to be corrected by compensating the wronged people. I wronged somebody and told him of what I did. I also tried to give him money as a compensation. I insisted that he should take it saying, "I swear that you would take that money and this money is unlawful for me like my mother." However, he kept refusing and forgave me for the wrong I did to him. Consequently, I took the money which he refused. Now, am I to blame for my words because he did not take the money? Is it better to admit the wrong one does to others or to conceal it and compensate the wronged person secretly?

A: If the reality is as you mentioned, you should make Tawbah (repentance to Allah) for what you did, because it is not permissible for a Muslim to swear by what is unlawful and swearing must be by Allah (Exalted be He) alone or by one of His Attributes. Furthermore, you have to offer Kaffarah (expiation) for an oath by feeding ten Miskins (needy persons), or clothing them, or emancipating a believing slave. If none of these is affordable, you must observe Sawm (Fast) for three days. You did a good deed by telling him of the wrong you did to him. He also did well by forgiving you, for it was authentically reported on the authority of the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he said: Whoever has wronged his brother should ask for his pardon before (a day on which) there will be neither a dinar nor a dirham (i.e. The Hereafter). (He must ask for his pardon otherwise) some of his good deeds will be taken from him and given to his brother (whom he has wronged); and if he has no good deeds, some of his brother's bad deeds will be taken to be loaded on him (in the Hereafter). (Part No. 23; Page No. 171) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.