The Command to Discharge Trusts

Allah has ordered us to discharge trust, has condemned betrayal and warned of it in many verses and said: “Verily, Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due." (Surah An-Nisa, verse: 58)

Ibn Katheer said: “It is general in all trusts obligated the human to fulfill, it includes two types: Allah`s rights such prayer, fasting, and the like, and people’s rights such as deposits and the like.”

Although trust is a heavy burden, it is not impossible, the righteous servants of Allah characterized by it as Allah described them saying: "Those who are faithfully true to their amanat (all the duties which Allah has ordained, honesty, moral responsibility and trusts) and to their covenants." (Surah Al-Mu’menoon, verse: 8)

Take into consideration this literal and moral harmony between faith and trust, in the Prophet`s (blessing and peace be upon him) saying:  " One who has no trust has no faith and one who has no covenant has no religion".[1]

Beside, Allah the Almighty said:  “O you who believe! Betray not Allah and His Messenger, nor betray knowingly your Amanat (things entrusted to you and all the duties which Allah has ordained for you." (Surah Al-Anfal, verse: 27). 

The Prophet’s teaching about discharging trust: "Discharge the trust to one who has trusted you, do not betray one who has betrayed you."[2]   

And the Prophet said in condemning betrayal: "There are three signs of a hypocrite: when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is trusted, he betrays his trust."[3]