Trust & Integrity

In Islam, trust (amanah) and integrity (adl) are highly emphasized, and there are clear guidelines on how to maintain and restore trust in various aspects of life. People fail to maintain trust for a variety of reasons, and understanding these reasons can shed light on the complex dynamics of human relationships.

Trust is a fragile and essential component of any healthy relationship, be it personal, professional, or societal. When trust is broken, it can lead to disappointment, hurt feelings, and even the dissolution of the relationship. Here are some common reasons why people fail to maintain trust:

Lack of Communication: In Islam, you are encouraged to practice open and honest communication. The Quran emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth and advises you not to mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth when you know it. And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].” (Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:42)

Deception and Lies: Islam strictly prohibits lying and deception. Our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the significance of truthfulness, and it is considered one of the pillars of good character in Islam. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise.” Sahih al-Bukhari 6094

Betrayal: Betrayal is viewed as a grave betrayal of trust in Islam. The Quran condemns those who harm others unjustly, particularly those who harm fellow believers. “And those who harm believing men and believing women for [something] other than what they have earned have certainly borne upon themselves a slander and manifest sin.” (Quran, Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:68)

Self-Interest: Islam encourages you to consider the welfare of others and prioritize collective well-being over personal gain. Acts of charity and selflessness are highly praised, reinforcing the importance of not letting self-interest harm others.
“And they give food, in spite of their love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], ‘We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.’” (Quran, Surah Al-Insan, 76:8-9)

Lack of Accountability: Islam encourages individuals to take responsibility for their actions and to admit their mistakes. Seeking forgiveness is a key aspect of Islam, and it is seen as a way to restore trust after wrongdoing. “And if it had not been for the favor of Allah upon you and His mercy…” (Quran, Surah An-Nur, 24:20)

Time and Distance: While recognizing the challenges of maintaining trust over time and distance, Islam encourages you to maintain ties of kinship, friendship, and communication, even in such circumstances. : “And those who break the covenant of Allah after contracting it and sever that which Allah has ordered to be joined and cause corruption on earth – for them is the curse, and they will have the worst home.” (Quran, Surah Ar-Rad, 13:25)

External Influences: Islam advises you to resist negative external influences that may lead to compromising trust. Seeking guidance from religious scholars and those who uphold Islamic values is encouraged. “O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in the result.” (Quran, Surah An-Nisa, 4:59)

Insecurity and Jealousy: Islam promotes self-control and contentment and encourages you to trust in Allah’s plan, thus preventing jealousy or insecurity from leading to unjust actions.
Reference: “And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others. For men, it is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned.” (Quran, Surah An-Nisa, 4:32)

In essence, Islam provides you with a comprehensive moral and ethical framework to build and maintain trust, emphasizing truthfulness, reliability, and accountability while cautioning against behaviors that undermine trust and integrity.