TRUSTEESHIP AND PROMISES
In the Quran, one of the defining qualities of the people of truth is that they are careful about fulfilling their trusts and promises. As stated in the Quran: “Those who are faithful to their trusts and their promises” (Quran, 23:8). Maulana Shabbir Ahmad Usmani (1887–1949), a prominent Muslim scholar of the Indian subcontinent, offers a clear explanation of this verse in his commentary on the Quran. He writes: “They safeguard their trusts and commitments. They do not engage in betrayal or breach of promise—neither in matters relating to God nor in their dealings with people.” (p. 443)
Everything a person possesses is, in essence, a trust—either a trust given by God or by others. Similarly, every person is bound by agreements and commitments. Some of these agreements are explicitly stated, while others are implicitly understood and become binding without being spoken. A person must fulfill all these agreements. Failure to do so means failing to meet the standard of human integrity and proving oneself guilty before God.
A person’s body, heart, and mind are all trusts from God. It is essential for a person to use these faculties only within the limits God has set. Their hands and feet should act in ways that promote justice, not oppression. Their mind should be used for thinking well of others, not wishing harm. Similarly, any trusts—whether written or not—that are placed in a person’s care must be fulfilled. They should never treat someone else’s possessions as their own.
Every individual is bound by two types of agreements: one related to God and the other to His creation. The first is a natural agreement with God, in which every human being is inherently included. The second is a faith-related agreement, which binds those who believe in God. Additionally, there are agreements related to fellow human beings. Some of these are written contracts, while others arise naturally due to one’s membership in a family, society, or nation. Fulfilling all these agreements and responsibilities is both a natural duty and a religious obligation.
