Keeping promises is of immense importance in the life of a Muslim. Islam regards it as an inseparable part of morality and faith. Allah commands it, saying: “O you who believe! Fulfil your pledges.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah: 1) Through this verse Allah teaches believers to honour their word, their promises and their agreements properly.
A pledge or agreement is a sacred promise that shows faithfulness and truthfulness.
Breaking a pledge once it is made is a grave sin in Islam. Allah says: “Fulfil the covenant of Allah when you have made a covenant, and do not break your oaths after confirming them, for you have made Allah your witness. Indeed, Allah knows what you do.” (Surah An-Nahl: 91) This verse shows that keeping a pledge is not only a social duty owed to people but a religious duty before Allah.
Allah is displeased with those who break their pledges. History shows that the People of the Book, the Jews and Christians, made a covenant with Allah to follow His commands but broke it. As a result Allah cursed them and hardened their hearts. The Quran says: “So for their breaking of their covenant We cursed them and made their hearts hard.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah: 13) Muslims should therefore learn from the fate of earlier nations.
Anyone who fails to keep a pledge will have to answer for it before Allah on the Day of Judgement. Allah says: “And fulfil every pledge, for you will be questioned about the pledge.” (Surah Al-Isra: 34) This warning reminds us that keeping promises is not only a worldly duty but a matter of accountability in the hereafter.
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) ordered that pledges be kept and named breaking them as a trait of the hypocrite. Abdullah ibn Amr (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “The hypocrite has three signs: when he speaks he lies, when he makes a pledge he breaks it, and when he is trusted he betrays the trust.” (Sahih Bukhari: 33; Muslim: 59) This hadith makes clear that breaking a pledge is not merely a moral weakness but an act contrary to faith.
Keeping pledges builds trust, peace and justice in society. For the stability of the family, society and the state, everyone should stand firm on their promises. A Muslim’s words and deeds should be one, with no deceit in what they say. Islam wants a society in which people can rely on and trust one another.
Keeping pledges is not only the path to peace in this world but also a means of earning Allah’s pleasure and Paradise. May Allah make all of us people who keep their pledges, faithful and honest. Amen.
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