Being trustworthy implies being honest, fair in dealings and punctual (in terms of both regularity and timeliness) as well as honouring trusts and keeping promises and commitments. An important part of the noble Islamic character is being trustworthy. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was known, even before his Prophethood to be Al Amin (the trustworthy one). 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 another’s trust, is inherent in being one who is submitted to the will of Allah. When Almighty Allah appointed Adam (the father of mankind) as successor on earth, it was a trust incumbent upon all of mankind. When 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.
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.
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 people’s 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. Reliability, honesty and trustworthiness are characteristics that must be present in anyone who claims to be a believer. 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 God 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.
