Volume 3, Book 40, Number 546:
Narrated ‘Abdullah (bin Mas’ud):
The Prophet said, “Whoever takes a false oath to deprive somebody of his property will meet Allah
while He will be angry with him.” Allah revealed: ‘Verily those who purchase a little gain at the cost
of Allah’s covenant, and their oaths.’ ……..(3.77)
Al-Ash’ath came (to the place where ‘Abdullah was narrating) and said, “What has Abu ‘Abdur-
Rahman (i.e. Abdullah) been telling you? This verse was revealed concerning me. I had a well in the
land of a cousin of mine. The Prophet asked me to bring witnesses (to confirm my claim). I said, ‘I
don’t have witnesses.’ He said, ‘Let the defendant take an oath then.’ I said, ‘O Allah’s Apostle! He will
take a (false) oath immediately.’ Then the Prophet mentioned the above narration and Allah revealed
the verse to confirm what he had said.” (See Hadith No. 692)