Opinion | Upholding Promises: An Islamic Obligation

In Islam, fulfilling promises is a moral and spiritual obligation deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Quran explicitly emphasizes the importance of fulfilling promises, as mentioned in Surah Al-Isra: “And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned” (17:34). This verse explains how serious promises are, and every vow or promise has accountability before Allah. To keep promises is not merely a social etiquette; rather, it is the virtue of integrity and faith in one’s self. It is a sign of honesty, truthfulness, and respectability which are considered as core virtues of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) further emphasized this rule when he said that breaking promises was a sign of hypocrisy. He said: “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” (Bukhari and Muslim). These words emphasize the spiritual and moral aspects of keeping promises under Islam.
The practical Implications of upholding promises extend to all aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional dealings. In personal relationships, fulfilling promises fosters trust, strengthens bonds, and nurtures mutual respect. A promise made to a friend, family member, or neighbour is a moral responsibility that reinforces social harmony. On a larger scale, adhering to agreements in professional or societal contexts ensures justice and accountability. For example, honoring agreements in business dealings is a matter of justice and helps avoid controversies. The religion of Islam encourages fulfilling one’s commitment not only for Muslims but for all of humanity. The Hudaybiyyah Treaty is a historical event where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) honored an agreement with the non-Muslims, which was quite disadvantageous for him at the time. This shows that Islamic teachings are universal and all-inclusive about fulfilling commitments.
Failure to fulfill promises leads to mistrust, conflict, and moral degradation in society. It weakens relationships and undermines the credibility of individuals and communities. To Islam, breaking promises is a form of injustice as it denies others their rights and causes disturbance in social order. The Quran warns against deceit and betrayal, urging sincerity in all dealings. Hence, promising well is not only an individual’s good virtue but also the community’s responsibility that can only strengthen the moral and ethical base of society. Conclusively, this fulfillment of promises in Islam points to the religion’s message to all those who believe in its message – honesty, integrity, and accountability. And this commitment to the principle actually allows individuals to be a more responsible, harmonious, and just society, therefore actualizing the true spirit of Islam. The Islamic obligation to uphold promises is not just a personal virtue; it is a cornerstone of a thriving and cohesive society. Keeping promises reflects a commitment to justice, fairness, and respect for others’ rights. In a world where trust is increasingly fragile, Islam’s emphasis on this value serves as a timeless reminder of the moral responsibilities we hold toward one another. The Quran constantly reminds one of the need to fulfill obligations as an act of worship and a source of Allah’s pleasure. Surah Al-Baqarah encourages believers to uphold their covenants, saying that Allah loves those who do good. This direct relationship between fulfilling promises and piety brings it from the realm of social courtesy to divine decree.
One of the deeper meanings of this obligation is how it can be applied to various situations. For example, in family relationships, keeping promises creates love and stability. A parent who keeps his promise to a child develops trust and provides a moral role model, creating a nurturing atmosphere. Similarly, in the workplace, an agreement to deliver creates a culture of reliability and mutual respect. Such adherence increases productivity and reduces conflict, and the workplace operates on ethical principles. On the global front, it is important for holding treaties and international agreements which are significant for bringing and maintaining peace and mutual collaboration among nations. Thus, the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah remains an example through honouring promises to pave the path of long-term harmony.
The modern-day principle of fulfilling promises presents solutions to some of humanity’s most critical issues: corruption, distrust, and broken relationships. This value can help individuals and societies work towards rebuilding trust and promoting unity. Keeping promises is a very powerful expression of faith and humanity, because it testifies that the teachings of Islam are valid for modern challenges.
(Writer is a Columnist and a Teacher By Profession and Can be Contacted on mukhtar.qur@gmail.com)