Riyad Us-Saliheen (Gardens of the Righteous)

Chapter 369
Expiation for the violation of Commandments of Allah

Allah, the Exalted, says:

"And if an evil whisper from Shaitan (Satan) tries to turn you away (O Muhammad (PBUH)) (from doing good), then seek refuge in Allah.'' (41:36)

"Verily, those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious), when an evil thought comes to them from Shaitan (Satan), they remember (Allah), and (indeed) they then see (aright).'' (7:201)

"And those who, when they have committed Fahishah or wronged themselves with evil, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their sins; - and none can forgive sins but Allah - and do not persist in what (wrong) they have done, while they know. For such, the reward is forgiveness from their Rubb, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath (Jannah), wherein they shall abide forever. How excellent is this reward for the doers (who do righteous deeds according to Allah's Orders)!'' (3:135,136)

"And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful.'' (24:31)

1807. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "He who takes an oath and involuntarily says: `By Al-Lat and Al-`Uzza' should at once affirm: `La ilaha illallah (there is no true god except Allah)', and he who says to his companion: `Come let's gamble' should make expiation by giving something in charity.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary:  Al-Lat and Al-`Uzza were the idols of the polytheists of Arabia. To take oath or swear by them or by anything else besides Allah is an act of disbelief which takes one out of the fold of religion.

If any person swears by anything or anybody else other than Allah, he should recite "La ilaha illa Allah" and refresh and re-establish his belief in Allah. Similarly, if someone indulges in other sins, then he should repent and give in charity according to his resources. The reason is, as Allah (SWT) says: "Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds (i.e., small sins).'' (11:114).