How to Keep Promises
Like the Prophet ﷺ
The following is an excerpt from Tarāshe by Muftī Taqī ʿUthmānī,
emphasizing the sacred nature of keeping one’s word.
In Islām, a promise is not merely a casual statement; it is a sacred covenant (ʿahd) that carries immense weight. The ultimate exemplar of this principle is the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ, who was known by his entire community as al-Ṣādiq (the truthful) and al-Amīn (the trustworthy) long before he received revelation. This reputation was not a title given lightly but was earned through a lifetime of unwavering integrity. For the Prophet ﷺ, fulfilling one’s word was a non-negotiable aspect of faith and a cornerstone of a righteous character, reflecting a person’s inner commitment to truth and accountability before Allāh.
A profound example of this commitment is found in the story of Ḥudhayfah ibn al Yamān (raḍiya Allāhu ʿanhu) and his father before the Battle of Badr. While traveling to join the Muslims, they were intercepted by the Quraysh, who released them only after they promised not to fight alongside the Prophet ﷺ. Upon reaching the Muslim camp, they explained their predicament. The Muslims were severely outnumbered, and every single fighter was desperately needed. Despite this critical need, the Prophet ﷺ did not seek a loophole or dismiss the promise made to an enemy. He ﷺ instructed them, “Return and fulfill your pledge to them, and we will seek Allāh’s help against them.” This incident powerfully illustrates that for the Prophet ﷺ, upholding a promise was more important than any perceived shortterm gain. It teaches us that true victory and help come from Allāh, and they are attained through righteousness, not by compromising our principles.
Emulating the Prophet’s ﷺ example in our daily lives requires conscious effort. Here are some practical steps to cultivate this noble quality:
Pause Before You Promise:
Before giving your word, take a moment to realistically assess your ability to follow through. It is far better to politely decline than to make a promise you are unable to keep.
Intend with Sincerity:
When you make a commitment, do so with a firm intention (niyyah) to fulfill it for the sake of Allāh. This intention becomes a source of strength and blessing in your endeavor.
Honor Your Word, Even When Inconvenient:
True character is tested when fulfilling a promise becomes difficult. Strive to honor your commitments even when circumstances change, remembering the immense reward from Allāh.
Communicate with Honesty:
If an unforeseen obstacle makes fulfillment impossible, do not ignore the situation. Proactively and honestly inform the other person, offer a sincere apology, and seek a resolution. This preserves trust.
Lead by Example:
Teach the importance of keeping promises to your children and family not just with words, but through your own consistent actions. Let them see that your word is your bond.
The character of the Prophet Muḥammadﷺ is a guiding light for all of humanity. By striving to be people of our word, we not only build trust and strengthen our relationships in this world but also demonstrate a key sign of a true believer (muʾmin). This strengthens our connection with our Creator, who loves those who are true to their covenants. May Allāh grant us the strength to be true to our word, to honor our commitments, and to live lives that reflect the beautiful character of His beloved Prophet ﷺ. Āmīn.
