How Important Is It for a Muslim to Uphold Trustworthiness?
Answered by Shaykh Anas al-Musa
Question
How important is it for a Muslim to uphold trustworthiness?
Answer
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger sent as a mercy to the worlds, our Master and Prophet, Muhammad, and his Family and Companions.
Trustworthiness (amana) holds great significance in Islam. It is one of the fundamental virtues that every Muslim should embody. Trustworthiness fosters healthy, thriving societies, while its absence leads to chaos, mistrust, and discord in all aspects of life. Here are the key aspects of trustworthiness:
A Trait of the Believers
Allah (Most High) describes the believers as those who uphold their trusts and covenants:
“(The believers are also) those who are true to their trusts and covenants.” [Quran, 23:8]
A Necessary Quality for Prophets
All prophets were known for their trustworthiness. It is essential for conveying the divine message faithfully. Allah (Most High) states:
“Had the Messenger made up something in Our Name, We would have certainly seized him by his right hand, then severed his aorta.” [Quran, 69:44-46]
A Command of the Prophet
The Prophet emphasized the importance of returning trust, even to those who may betray them. He said:
“Render back the trust to the one who entrusted you, and do not betray the one who betrays you.” [Ahmad]
A Prohibition of Betrayal
Allah warns against betrayal, which is the opposite of trustworthiness:
“O believers! Do not betray Allah and the Messenger, nor betray your trusts knowingly.” [Quran, 8:27]
Building Trust in Society
Upholding trust fosters mutual confidence and security in society. It promotes a sense of peace and interconnectedness among its members. Conversely, when trustworthiness is lost, betrayal and suspicion become rampant, leading to societal decay.
A Sign of Hypocrisy
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) highlighted that betrayal of trust is a hallmark of hypocrisy:
“The signs of a hypocrite are three: when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is entrusted, he betrays the trust.” [Bukhari]
Broader Meaning of Trust
Trustworthiness extends beyond returning deposits or safeguarding people’s property. It includes fulfilling responsibilities in all aspects of life, such as parenting, teaching, and guarding one’s country. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) warned:
“When trust is lost, await the Hour.” He was asked, ‘How will it be lost?’ He said, ‘When authority is given to those who are not qualified, then await the Hour.’” [Ibid.]
In conclusion, amana is not merely a moral attribute; it encompasses a wide range of duties and responsibilities. Fulfilling these duties is crucial for the well-being of individuals and society at large.
May Allah bless the Prophet Muhammad and give him peace, and his Family and Companions.
[Shaykh] Anas al-Musa
Shaykh Anas al-Musa, born in Hama, Syria, in 1974, is an erudite scholar of notable repute. He graduated from the Engineering Institute in Damascus, where he specialized in General Construction, and Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Usul al-Din, where he specialized in Hadith.
He studied under prominent scholars in Damascus, including Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghouri and Shaykh Adib al-Kallas, among others. Shaykh Anas has memorized the Quran and is proficient in the ten Mutawatir recitations, having studied under Shaykh Bakri al-Tarabishi and Shaykh Mowfaq ‘Ayun. He also graduated from the Iraqi Hadith School.
He has taught numerous Islamic subjects at Shari‘a institutes in Syria and Turkey. Shaykh Anas has served as an Imam and preacher for over 15 years and is a teacher of the Quran in its various readings and narrations.
Currently, he works as a teacher at SeekersGuidance and is responsible for academic guidance there. He has completed his Master’s degree in Hadith and is now pursuing his Ph.D. in the same field. Shaykh Anas al-Musa is married and resides in Istanbul.
