While the qualities of honesty and trustworthiness are inextricably entwined, there are slight differences. Honesty implies a lack of deceit while trustworthiness entails honouring and fulfilling commitments, promises, trusts and covenants. It covers moral, social, legal and religious obligations. Being truthful in promises and covenants is one of the characteristics by which the believers are known. Both promises and covenants involve saying something about an issue to confirm that you will uphold the trust. This is especially so with regard to one’s duties towards Almighty Allah. .Trust, and being worthy of anotherโs trust, is inherent in being one who is submitted to the will of almighty Allah. When almighty Allah appointed Adam (the father of mankind) as successor on earth, it was a trust incumbent upon all of mankind. When almighty Allah created us as individuals for worshipping him, it became a trust incumbent upon us to nourish ourselves and our families in a way that enables worship. In Islam, every believer is a brother or sister to the other; we are one body, one nation. The right hand must be able to trust the left hand. The commands and rules from almighty Allah are designed for our benefit and Islam holds peopleโs rights in high esteem. The systematic arrangement of guidelines and regulations is intended to uphold the rights Islam gives to the believers and to minimise vice and corruption. Islam strongly condemns the violation of God-given rights. When almighty Allah commands us to keep the trust, to be trustworthy, it is not a matter to be taken lightly.
From the lowliest peasant to the mightiest king all are equal, the only thing that makes one member of the unit better than the other is his piety or righteousness. Amongst the many qualities that blend together to make righteousness, is trustworthiness.
In the past almighty Allah dealt severely with people who were dishonest and did not honour their trusts. The people of Midian had developed unfair and corrupt business practices and Prophet Shuaib was instructed to warn them of Almighty Allahโs displeasure. Reliability, honesty and trustworthiness are characteristics that must be present in anyone who claims to be a believer. The sayings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) indicate that dishonesty and betrayal are completely at odds with the Islamic faith. Trustworthiness is a quality that is essential if a society is to function as one unit, bearing in mind the needs and aspirations of all its citizens. The Muslim nation should be one unit, one nation. All members of this brotherhood should be able to stand before almighty Allah knowing that he is safe and secure in the company of one who is trustworthy. From the lowliest peasant to the mightiest king all are equal, the only thing that makes one member of the unit better than the other is his piety or righteousness. Amongst the many qualities that blend together to make righteousness, is trustworthiness.