This article explores the meaning of al-Wafaa’ in both language and Islamic law (Shari‘ah), highlighting its importance as a divine command, a prophetic trait, and a distinguishing quality of the righteous. Through Qur’anic verses, prophetic traditions, and the examples of the Messengers, Companions, and scholars, we will uncover how faithfulness is not merely an ethical virtue but a reflection of true faith (iman) and devotion to Allah.

The meaning of “al-Wafaa’” (loyalty/faithfulness) in the Arabic language:
Al-Wafaa’ is the opposite of betrayal (Ghadr).
It is said “wafaa’ bi-‘ahdih” and “awfaa’” when someone fulfills his promise and does not break or neglect it.

The meaning of “al-Wafaa’” (loyalty/faithfulness) in the Shari’ah:
Al-Aafaa’ is maintaining (keeping) promises, covenants and commitments, fulfilling trusts, appreciation (showing gratitude), and preserving affection and love.
Loyalty (al-Wafaa’) is a character trait valued by only a few. And because of its rarity among people, Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat Al-A’raaf (7:102):

وَما وَجَدْنا لِأَكْثَرِهِمْ مِنْ عَهْدٍ
“And most of them We found not (true) to their covenant.”

 

Al-Wafaa’ (Loyalty) was used as a symbol of rarity and honor, as the Arabs used to describe something extremely rare, saying: “He is more rare (precious) than loyalty.”

Allaah the Exalted commanded Al-Wafaa’ (loyalty and faithfulness), as He (Ta’ala) says in Surat Al-An’am (6:152):

وَبِعَهْدِ اللهِ أَوْفُواْ ذَلِكُمْ وَصَّاكُم بِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ
“And fulfill the Covenant of Allaah. This He commands you, that you may remember.” 

 

Indeed, the Messenger of Islam (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “And there is no religion for the one who has no covenant.” [Reported by Ahmad] Indeed, a Muslim will not rise in the ranks of faith unless he is loyal and faithful.

Allaah the Almighty says in Surat Al-Ma’idah (5:1):

يا أيها الذين آمنوا أوفوا بالعقود
“O you who believe, fulfill (your) obligations.”

 

And He (Ta’ala) also says in Surat As-Saff (61:2-3):

يا أيها الذين آمنوا لم تقولون ما لا تفعلون، كبر مقتا عند الله أن تقولوا ما لا تفعلون
“O you who believe, why do you say that which you do not do? Most hateful it is with Allaah that you say that which you do not do.”

Al-Wafaa’ (Loyalty) is among the Attributes of Allaah, the Exalted.

• Allaah (Ta’ala) tells about His Noble Self in Surat At-Tawbah (9:111):

  وَمَنْ أَوْفَىٰ بِعَهْدِهِ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ
“And who is truer to his covenant than Allaah?”

• He (Ta’ala) also says in Surat Ar-Room (30:6):

  وَعْدَ اللَّهِ ۖ لَا يُخْلِفُ ٱللَّهُ وَعْدَهُ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
“(It is) a Promise of Allaah, and Allaah fails not in His Promise, but most of men know not.”

• He (Ta’ala) says in Surat Az-Zumar (39:20):

  لَـٰكِنِ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَوْا رَبَّهُمْ لَهُمْ غُرَفٌ مِّن فَوْقِهَا غُرَفٌ مَّبْنِيَّةٌۭ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهَا ٱلْأَنْهَـٰرُ ۖ وَعْدَ ٱللَّهِ ۖ لَا يُخْلِفُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْمِيعَادَ
“But those who fear Allaah and keep their duty to their Lord (Allaah), for them are built lofty rooms; one above another, under which rivers flow (i.e. Paradise). (This is) the Promise of Allaah, and Allaah does not fail in (His) Promise.”

• In Surat Aal-‘Imran (3:9), He (Ta’ala) says:

  إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُخْلِفُ ٱلْمِيعَادَ
“Verily, Allaah never breaks His Promise.”

Al-Wafaa’ (Loyalty) is also among the qualities of the noble Messengers

•   Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat An-Najm (53:36-41):

أَمْ لَمْ يُنَبَّأْ بِمَا فِي صُحُفِ مُوسَى * وَإِبْرَاهِيمَ الَّذِي وَفَّى * أَلَّا تَزِرُ وَازِرَةٌ وِزْرَ أُخْرَى * وَأَنْ لَيْسَ لِلْإِنْسَانِ إِلَّا مَا سَعَى * وَأَنَّ سَعْيَهُ سَوْفَ يُرَى * ثُمَّ يُجْزَاهُ الْجَزَاءَ الْأَوْفَى
“Or is he not informed of what was in the Scriptures of Musa (Moses) — and of Ibraheem (Abraham) who fulfilled (or conveyed) all that (what Allaah ordered him to do or convey). That no burdened person (with sins) shall bear the burden (sins) of another. And that man can have nothing but what he does (good or bad). And that his deeds will be seen. Then he will be recompensed with a full and the best recompense.”

•   And He (Ta’ala) says in Surat Maryam (19:54-55):

وَاذْكُرْ فِي الْكِتَابِ إِسْمَاعِيلَ ۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ صَادِقَ الْوَعْدِ وَكَانَ رَسُولًا نَبِيًّا * وَكَانَ يَأْمُرُ أَهْلَهُ بِالصَّلَاةِ وَالزَّكَاةِ وَكَانَ عِندَ رَبِّهِ مَرْضِيًّا 

“And mention in the Book, (the Qur’an) Isma‘il (Ishmael). Verily, he was true to what he promised, and he was a Messenger (and) a Prophet. And he used to enjoin on his family and his people, As-Salaat (the prayers) and the Zakaat, and His Lord was pleased with him.”

‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Abbaas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) narrated: “Abu Sufyaan (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) informed me that Heraclius said to him: ‘I asked you: What does he [the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)] command you with? And you claimed that he commands you with prayer, truthfulness, chastity, fulfilling promises, and delivering trusts.’ He (Heraclius) then said: ‘These are the qualities of a prophet.’” [Al-Bukhaari no. 2681]

Al-Wafaa’ (Loyalty) is one of the characteristics of the righteous believers

•   Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat Al-Baqarah (2:177):

وَالْمُوفُونَ بِعَهْدِهِمْ إِذَا عَاهَدُوا وَالصَّابِرِينَ فِي الْبَأْسَاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ وَحِينَ الْبَأْسِ أُولَئِكَ الَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا وَأُولَئِكَ هُمُ الْمُتَّقُونَ
“And who fulfill their covenant when they make it, and who are As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.) in extreme poverty and ailment (disease) and at the time of fighting (during the battles). Such are the people of the truth and they are Al-Muttaqun (the Pious).”  

•   Allaah (Ta’ala) also says in Surat Al-Mu’minun (23:8):

وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ لِأَمَانَاتِهِمْ وَعَهْدِهِمْ رَاعُونَ
“And those who are faithfully true to their Amanaat (all the duties which Allaah has ordained, honesty, moral responsibility and trusts).”

Al-Wafaa’ (Loyalty) with Allaah
The greatest form of manners is the manner with Allaah, and the highest form of loyalty is loyalty towards Allaah.
Loyalty to Allaah is shown through obedience to Him, worship of Him, and the affirmation of His Oneness (Tawheed).

Ibn ‘Abbaas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) narrated that a woman from Juhaynah came to the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and said: “My mother made a vow to perform Hajj but she passed away before she could do it. Should I perform Hajj on her behalf?” He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) replied: “Yes, perform Hajj on her behalf. Do you not see that if your mother had a debt, would you not pay it off? So fulfill the rights of Allaah, for Allaah is more deserving of fulfilling His promises.” [Al-Bukhaari no. 7315] Indeed, Allaah made a covenant with Adam (‘Alayhis-salaam) and his offspring to worship Him and not associate anything with Him.

 

Allaah (Ta’ala) says in His Noble Book in Surat Al-A’raaf (7:172-173):

وَإِذْ أَخَذَ رَبُّكَ مِنْ بَنِي آدَمَ مِنْ ظُهُورِهِمْ ذُرِّيَّتَهُمْ وَأَشْهَدَهُمْ عَلَى أَنْفُسِهِمْ أَلَسْتُ بِرَبِّكُمْ قَالُوا بَلَى شَهِدْنَا أَنْ تَقُولُوا يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ إِنَّا كُنَّا عَنْ هَذَا غَافِلِينَ * أَوْ تَقُولُوا إِنَّمَا أَشْرَكَ آبَاؤُنَا مِنْ قَبْلُ وَكُنَّا ذُرِّيَّةً مِنْ بَعْدِهِمْ أَفَتُهْلِكُنَا بِمَا فَعَلَ الْمُبْطِلُونَ
“And (remember) when your Lord brought forth from the children of Adam, from their loins, their seed (or from Adam’s loin his offspring) and made them testify as to themselves (saying), ‘Am I not your Lord?’ They said, ‘Yes, we testify,’ lest you say on the Day of Resurrection, ‘Verily, we have been unaware of this.’ Or lest you should say, ‘It was only our forefathers aforetime who took others as partners in worship along with Allaah before, and we were (merely their) descendants after them.  Will You then destroy us because of the deeds of men who practised Al-Batil (i.e. polytheism and committing crimes and sins, invoking and worshipping others besides Allaah)?’” (Tafsir At-Tabari)

On the authority of Anas ibn Maalik (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) who narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Allaah, Blessed and Exalted, will say to the least tormented of the people of Hell: ‘If you had all that is in the earth, would you ransom yourself with it?’ He will say: ‘Yes.’ Allaah will say: ‘I wanted from you something easier than this when you were in the loins of Adam: that you do not associate anything with Me, yet you insisted on associating (partners with Me), and you refused.’” [Muslim no. 2805]

Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat Yaa-Seen (36:60-61):

أَلَمْ أَعْهَدْ إِلَيْكُمْ يَا بَنِي آدَمَ أَنْ لَا تَعْبُدُوا الشَّيْطَانَ إِنَّهُ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُبِينٌ * وَأَنِ اعْبُدُونِي هَذَا صِرَاطٌ مُسْتَقِيمٌ
“Did I not ordain for you, O children of Adam, that you should not worship Shaytaan? Verily, he is a plain enemy to you. And that you should worship Me [Alone -Islamic Monotheism, and set up not rivals, associate-gods with Me].  That is a Straight Path.”

 

Whoever obeys his Lord, adheres to His law, follows His commands, avoids His prohibitions, and remains within His boundaries is among those who are faithful to Allaah, the One Who created him from nothing, nurtured him with blessings, honored and exalted him, and commanded him to worship Him Alone, without associating anyone with Him.

Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat Adh-Dhariyat (51:56):

وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنْسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ
“And I (Allaah) created not the Jinn and humans except they should worship Me (Alone).”

One form of loyalty/ faithfulness to Allaah is fulfilling one’s vows, which refers to the obligation a person places upon himself to obey Allaah, apart from what Allaah has made obligatory upon him.

‘Aishah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha)  narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever vows to obey Allaah, let him fulfill it, and whoever vows to disobey Allaah, let him not disobey Him.” [Al-Bukhaari no. 6696]

Where is the faithfulness to Allaah from those who violate His sanctities and commit evil acts?

Where is the faithfulness to Allaah from those who neglect His commands, waste His obligatory acts, and transgress His limits?

Where is the faithfulness to Allaah from those who become so preoccupied with their worldly matters to an extent they forget to worship their Creator and Sustainer?

Al-Wafaa’ (Loyalty and Faithfulness) to the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)
The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) exerted every effort and endured every hardship to convey his message to the world. He showed the Ummah (the Muslim community) every good and warned them against every evil. He clarified the path to us, illuminated the way, and left us on the clear, bright path. Only those who stray from it are doomed.

Where is our faithfulness to the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)? Where do we stand in relation to his Sunnah, guidance, and Shari’ah?

Al-Wafaa’ to the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) is demonstrated by following his Sunnah, adopting his character, taking him as a good example (and role model), and defending his religion and beliefs.

 

Indeed, the noble Companions (Sahabah) set the finest examples of Al-Wafaa’ (loyalty and true faithfulness) to the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam):
They sacrificed their wealth, their lives, and even their families for the sake of preserving and spreading his message. Their unwavering loyalty, dedication, and commitment to the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) serve as a model for all believers, reflecting the highest standards of devotion, sincerity, and loyalty to him.

• Al-Wafaa’ (The Devotion and Loyalty) of the Ansaar with the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)

This following narration beautifully illustrates the loyalty and devotion of the Ansaar (Supporters of Al-Madinah) to the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). When the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) asked them to pledge allegiance, they willingly offered their hands without hesitation, committing to the worship of Allaah Alone, observing the five daily prayers, and obeying him.

Maalik Al-Ashja’i (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “We, nine or eight or seven men, were in the company of the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and he said: ‘Why don’t you pledge allegiance to the Messenger of Allaah?’ -while we had recently pledged allegiance. So we said: ‘Messenger of Allaah, we have already pledged allegiance to you.’ He again said: ‘Why don’t you pledge allegiance to the Messenger of Allaah?’ And we said: ‘Messenger of Allaah, we have already pledged allegiance to you.’ He again said: ‘Why don’t you pledge allegiance to the Messenger of Allaah?’ We stretched our hands and said: ‘Messenger of Allaah, we have already pledged allegiance to you. Now tell (on what things) we should pledge allegiance to you.’ He said: ‘(You must pledge allegiance) that you will worship Allaah only and will not associate anything with Him, (and observe) five prayers, and obey- (and he said one thing in an undertone) -that you would not beg people of anything.’ (And as a consequence of that) I saw that some of these people (who gave the pledge) did not ask anyone to pick up a whip for them if it fell down.” [Muslim no. 1043]

The special condition mentioned by the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), “Do not ask people for anything” – demonstrates their complete trust in Allaah and their commitment to self-reliance. As a result, they upheld this principle to the point where if any of them dropped his whip, he would not ask anyone to pick it up for him. This indicates their diligence and their complete and perfect fulfillment of what they pledged allegiance to, even in these minor matters.

• Al-Wafaa’ of Abu Bakr (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu)

Jabir (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to him: “If the wealth of the two seas (the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea) were to come to me, I would give you this (three times).” It did not come until the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) passed away, and Abu Bakr (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) ordered a caller to announce: “Whoever has any debt or promise from the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) let him come to us.” So I came to him and said: “The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) promised me,” and he gave me three (portions). [Al-Bukhaari no. 2598]

Thus, Abu Bakr (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) fulfilled the Prophet’s (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) promise even after his death, and since the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was the most deserving of loyalty, Abu Bakr fulfilled his promises on his behalf.

Al-Wafaa’ of Hakim ibn Hizam (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu):
Urwah ibn Az-Zubair narrated that Hakim ibn Hizam (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “I asked the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and he gave me, then I asked him again and he gave me. Then he said to me, ‘O Hakim, this wealth is green and sweet. Whoever takes it with a generous soul, blessings will be placed upon it, but whoever takes it with a greedy soul, no blessings will be placed upon it. It will be like someone who eats and is never satisfied. The upper hand is better than the lower hand.’” Hakim said: “I replied: ‘By the One Who sent you with the truth, I will not ask anyone for anything after you until I leave this world.’” Abu Bakr (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) used to call Hakim to give him his share, but Hakim refused to accept anything. Then ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) called him to give him, but he again refused to take it. ‘Umar said: “O Muslims, I am offering him his due share that Allaah has assigned to him from this booty, and he refuses to take it.” Hakim did not ask anyone for anything after the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) until he passed away, may Allaah have mercy on him. [Reported by Al-Bukhaari no. 1472]

Al-Wafaa’ towards Scholars
It is shown through respecting them, honoring them, being humble with them, praying for them, following their example, and learning from them.

 

Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat Al-Anbiyaa’ (21:7):

فَاسْأَلُوا أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
“So ask the people of the Reminder [Scriptures – the Taurat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel)] if you do not know.” 

One of the most beautiful examples of Al-Wafaa’ to scholars is the loyalty of Abu Hanifa (Rahimahullaah) to his Shuyukh (teachers). He used to pray for his Shaikh (and teacher), Hammaad ibn Abi Sulayman and his parents in every prayer he performed. He preserved his love and respect for him, always mentioning him with praise, recalling his favor, and praying for him. Abu Hanifa (Rahimahullaah) said: “I have never offered Salaat without praying for my Shaikh (teacher) Hammaad and for everyone from whom I learned knowledge or taught knowledge.” In another narration, he said: “I have never offered a Salaat since Hammaad’s death without asking forgiveness for him along with my parents, and I ask forgiveness for everyone from whom I learned knowledge or taught knowledge.”

Imaam Ahmad (Rahimahullaah) used to frequently pray for Ash-Shafi’i. His son, ‘Abdullaah, asked him: “O my father, what was Ash-Shafi’i like? I have heard you often praying for him.” Imaam Ahmad replied: “O my son, Ash-Shafi’i was like the sun to the world and like health to the people. Is there any replacement for these two, or any substitute for them?”

Al-Wafaa’ towards Parents
Parents have a great favor and a significant right over their children. It is clear to everyone, the great efforts and sacrifices parents make, the precious things they give, and the hardships they endure in order to raise, nurture, and care for their children.

It is the right of parents upon their children to be treated with loyalty, kindness, obedience, humility, and goodness. Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat Al-Isra’ (17:23-25):

وَقَضَى رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِنْدَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُلْ لَهُمَا أُفٍّ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُلْ لَهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِيمًا * وَاخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ وَقُلْ رَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا * رَبُّكُمْ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا فِي نُفُوسِكُمْ إِنْ تَكُونُوا صَالِحِينَ فَإِنَّهُ كَانَ لِلْأَوَّابِينَ غَفُورً
“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them, but address them in terms of honor. And lower unto them, the wing of submission and humility out of mercy, and say, ‘My Lord, Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was small.’ Your Lord knows best what is in your inner-selves. If you are righteous, then, verily, He is Ever Most Forgiving.”

Al-Wafaa’ Between Spouses: (Between the Husband and Wife)

• Al-Wafaa’ of the husband towards his wife:

Al-Wafaa’ of the husband towards his wife is shown by respecting her, appreciating her, and fulfilling what he has committed to (for her) in the marriage contract.
Uqbah ibn ‘Amir (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The most rightful of conditions to be fulfilled are those by which you have made lawful the private parts.” [Al-Bukhaari no. 2721]

The husband’s loyalty to his wife is shown by fulfilling her rights, being kind to her, honoring her, and acknowledging her virtues and status.

‘Aishah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) narrated: “I did not feel jealous of any of the wives of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) as much as I felt jealous of Khadijah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha), even though I never saw her. But the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to speak very often about her, and sometimes he would slaughter a sheep, cut it into pieces, and send it to the friends of Khadijah. I would sometimes say to him: ‘It seems as if there was no woman in the world except Khadijah.’ He would reply: ‘She was such and such, and from her I had children.’” [Al-Bukhaari no. 3818]

‘Aishah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) narrated: “I did not feel jealous of any of the wives of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) except for Khadijah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha), although I did not meet her. When the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would slaughter a sheep, he would say: ‘Send it to the friends of Khadijah.’ Aishah said: One day I angered him and said: ‘Khadijah!’ Then the Messenger of Allaah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: ‘I was granted love for her.’” [Muslim no. 2435]

• Al-Wafaa’ of the wife towards her husband:

Al-Wafaa’ of a wife towards her husband is shown through obedience, respect, and appreciation, standing by him in both times of difficulty and ease, and not denying his virtues or being ungrateful for his contributions.

The days are alternating, so how many rich people have become poor? How many honorable people have become humiliated? How many strong people have become weak?! A husband may face trials and hardships, turning his health into illness, his wealth into poverty, and his strength into weakness. At this point, the true character of a loyal, righteous wife is revealed. She stands by her husband in every difficulty and trial, offering him comfort and support, encouraging him, covering his flaws, and concealing his sins. She does not forget the days of affluence and ease, nor the days of health and strength. She constantly repeats the words of Allaah in Surat Al-Baqarah (2:237):

وَلَا تَنْسَوُا الْفَضْلَ بَيْنَكُمْ
“And do not forget liberality between yourselves.” 

 

and looks at her husband with eyes full of mercy, respect, tenderness, and humility. She says to him: “Rejoice, my beloved husband! I do not forget that you did this and that, and you provided me with this and that,” then she reminds him with the words of her Lord:

هَلْ جَزَاءُ الإِحْسَانِ إِلَّا الإِحْسَانُ
“Is there any reward for good other than good?” [Surat Ar-Rahman (55:60)]

Indeed, one of the most crushing blows for any husband is when he has been generous and given to his wife in every aspect of life. He has been kind, providing for her, sharing everything he has, whether it be love, loyalty, gifts, support. However, when his situation changes, and wealth turns into poverty, strength into weakness, and health into illness, he finds that his wife has also changed. She forgets all the acts of kindness and generosity. Look at this image that completely contradicts the image of loyalty. The husband feels no sense of security, loses trust in everything, because he did not find this loyalty and trust in the one closest to him—the one to whom he gave everything: love, loyalty, generosity, manhood, and sacrifice. Yet, she turns her back on him and forgets everything.

Ibn ‘Abbaas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “I was shown the Hellfire, and I saw that the majority of its inhabitants were women.” It was asked, “Do they disbelieve in Allaah?” He said: “They are ungrateful to their companions of life (husbands) and they are ungrateful for good treatment. If you do good to one of them for a lifetime, then she sees something from you, she will say: ‘I have never seen any good from you.’” [Al-Bukhaari no. 29]

Al-Wafaa’ Towards All People
How much do people need Al-Wafaa’ in a time when ingratitude and denial have spread in the hearts of many people! The good deeds done to them are no longer mentioned among them, and kindness is no longer preserved. How miserable is this world when loyalty sighs within the hearts of the honorable!

If you were to look at the reality of the Ummah (Muslim nation) today, you would see how many people speak, how many people make promises, and how many oaths are heard, seen, and conveyed! But where is the truth in those promises? And where is the fulfillment of those oaths?

Let the servant know that he will be asked about his fulfillment of promises on the Day of Judgment, as Allaah Almighty says in Surat Al-Israa’ (17:34):

وَأَوْفُوا بِالْعَهْدِ إِنَّ الْعَهْدَ كَانَ مَسْئُولًا
“And fulfill every covenant. Verily, the covenant will be asked about.”

What will the servant’s response be when asked about his promises, covenants, and contracts that Allaah has commanded him to fulfill? As Allaah Almighty says in Surat An-Nahl (16:91):

وَأَوْفُوا بِعَهْدِ اللَّهِ إِذَا عَاهَدْتُمْ
“And fulfill the Covenant of Allaah when you have covenanted.”

 

 He (Ta’ala) also said in Surat Al-Ma’idah (5:1):

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَوْفُوا بِالْعُقُودِ
“O you who believe, fulfill (your) obligations.”

 

What will his response be when he has broken his promise, neglected his covenant, and betrayed his trust?

Let the servant beware of breaking promises and covenants and know that this is one of the traits of hypocrisy – we seek refuge in Allaah from hypocrisy. In the two Saheehs, Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The signs of a hypocrite are three: when he speaks, he lies; when he promises, he breaks his promise; and when he is entrusted, he betrays the trust.” [Al-Bukhaari no. 6095]

It is the duty of a Muslim to fulfill the commitments he has made to others, whether these are covenants, promises, or contracts in transactions such as buying, renting, work, or any other known agreements. Whether these contracts and promises are made between a Muslim and another Muslim, or between a Muslim and a non-Muslim, the obligation of fulfillment remains the same. Al-Wafaa’ is required with everyone.

Al-Wafaa’ Towards the Disbelievers
In the sixth year of the Hijrah, the polytheists and Muslims agreed on the Treaty of Al-Hudaybiyyah. One of the terms of the treaty was that if any of the polytheists embraced Islam and went to the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), he would send him back to his people. Immediately after the treaty was concluded, Abu Jandal ibn Suhail ibn ‘Amr (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) came and declared his Islam. When his father, Suhail ibn ‘Amr, who had been negotiating the treaty with the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saw him, he went to him, reprimanded him, and said: “O Muhammad, the matter between you and me has been decided before this.” The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) replied: “You are right.”

Abu Jandal cried out in a loud voice: “O Muslims! Should I be returned to the polytheists who will tempt me away from my religion?” The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to Abu Jandal: “O Abu Jandal, be patient and seek reward from Allaah, for Allaah will make a way for you and those with you who are oppressed. We have made peace with these people, and there is a covenant between us and them. We do not act treacherously.” [Reported by Imaam Ahmad and Al-Bayhaqi]

In Saheeh Muslim, it is reported from Hudhayfah ibn Al-Yaman (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) who said: “What prevented me from attending the Battle of Badr was that my father Husayl and I set out (to participate in the battle), but we were captured by the polytheists of Quraish. They asked us: ‘Do you want to go to Muhammad?’ We replied: ‘We do not want to go to him. We only want to go to Al-Madinah.’ They took from us a covenant that we would go to Al-Madinah and not fight on the side of him [Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)]. So, we came to the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and told him what had happened. He said: ‘Go back to Al-Madinah. We will honor their covenant with them, and we seek Allaah’s help against them.’” [Muslim no. 1787]

Benefits of Al-Wafaa’ and Fulfilling Promises

• Love of Allaah
  Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat Aal-‘Imran (3:76):

بَلَى مَنْ أَوْفَى بِعَهْدِهِ وَاتَّقَى فَإِنَّ اللهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُتَّقِينَ
“Yes, whoever fulfills his pledge and fears Allaah much; verily, then Allaah loves those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious).”

 

• Whoever fulfills Allaah’s Covenant, by upholding monotheism and sincere worship, Allaah will fulfill His promise to guide him to acts of obedience and worship and reward him for it.
  Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat Al-Baqarah (2:40):

وَأَوْفُواْ بِعَهْدِي أُوفِ بِعَهْدِكُمْ وَإِيَّايَ فَارْهَبُونِ
“And fulfill (your obligations to) My Covenant (with you) so that I fulfill (My Obligations to) your covenant (with Me), and fear none but Me.”

Ibn Jarir said: His Covenant with them was that if they did so, He would admit them into Paradise.

• The best of people are those known for their loyalty
  ‘Aishah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Indeed, the best of Allaah’s servants are those who are loyal and pure-hearted.” [Ahmad no. 26312, Al-Bazzar no. 88 and Al-Bayhaqi no. 11205]

• Multiplied reward and recompense
  Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat Al-Fat-h (48:10):

وَمَنْ أَوْفَى بِمَا عَاهَدَ عَلَيْهُ اللَّهَ فَسَيُؤْتِيهِ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا
“And whosoever fulfills what he has covenanted with Allaah, He will bestow on him a great reward.”

• Eternal bliss in Paradise
  Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat Ar-Ra’d (13:19-21),

أَفَمَنْ يَعْلَمُ أَنَّمَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْكَ مِنْ رَبِّكَ الْحَقُّ كَمَنْ هُوَ أَعْمَى إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ * الَّذِينَ يُوفُونَ بِعَهْدِ اللَّهِ وَلَا يَنْقُضُونَ الْمِيثَاقَ * وَالَّذِينَ يَصِلُونَ مَا أَمَرَ اللَّهُ بِهِ أَنْ يُوصَلَ وَيَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ وَيَخَافُونَ سُوءَ الْحِسَابِ * وَالَّذِينَ صَبَرُوا ابْتِغَاءَ وَجْهِ رَبِّهِمْ وَأَقَامُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَأَنْفَقُوا مِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ سِرًّا وَعَلَانِيَةً وَيَدْرَءُونَ بِالْحَسَنَةِ السَّيِّئَةَ أُولَئِكَ لَهُمْ عُقْبَى الدَّارِ * جَنَّاتُ عَدْنٍ يَدْخُلُونَهَا وَمَنْ صَلَحَ مِنْ آبَائِهِمْ وَأَزْوَاجِهِمْ وَذُرِّيَّاتِهِمْ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ يَدْخُلُونَ عَلَيْهِمْ مِنْ كُلِّ بَابٍ * سَلَامٌ عَلَيْكُمْ بِمَا صَبَرْتُمْ فَنِعْمَ عُقْبَى الدَّارِ * وَالَّذِينَ يَنْقُضُونَ عَهْدَ اللَّهِ مِنْ بَعْدِ مِيثَاقِهِ وَيَقْطَعُونَ مَا أَمَرَ اللَّهُ بِهِ أَنْ يُوصَلَ وَيُفْسِدُونَ فِي الْأَرْضِ أُولَئِكَ لَهُمُ اللَّعْنَةُ وَلَهُمْ سُوءُ الدَّارِ
“Shall he then who knows that what has been revealed unto you [O Muhammad  (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)] from your Lord is the truth be like him who is blind? But it is only the men of understanding that pay heed. Those who fulfill the Covenant of Allaah and break not the Mithaq (bond, treaty, covenant). And those who join that which Allaah has commanded to be joined (i.e. they are good to their relatives and do not sever the bond of kinship), and fear their Lord, and dread the terrible reckoning (i.e. abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which Allaah has forbidden and perform all kinds of good deeds which Allaah has ordained).”

 

Allaah (Ta’ala) also says in Surat Al-Insaan (76:5-14),

إِنَّ الْأَبْرَارَ يَشْرَبُونَ مِنْ كَأْسٍ كَانَ مِزَاجُهَا كَافُورًا *عَيْنًا يَشْرَبُ بِهَا عِبَادُ اللَّهِ يُفَجِّرُونَهَا تَفْجِيرًا * يُوفُونَ بِالنَّذْرِ وَيَخَافُونَ يَوْمًا كَانَ شَرُّهُ مُسْتَطِيرًا *وَيُطْعِمُونَ الطَّعَامَ عَلَى حُبِّهِ مِسْكِينًا وَيَتِيمًا وَأَسِيرًا * إِنَّمَا نُطْعِمُكُمْ لِوَجْهِ اللَّهِ لَا نُرِيدُ مِنْكُمْ جَزَاءً وَلَا شُكُورًا *إِنَّا نَخَافُ مِنْ رَبِّنَا يَوْمًا عَبُوسًا قَمْطَرِيرًا * فَوَقَاهُمُ اللَّهُ شَرَّ ذَلِكَ الْيَوْمِ وَلَقَّاهُمْ نَضْرَةً وَسُرُورًا * وَجَزَاهُمْ بِمَا صَبَرُوا جَنَّةً وَحَرِيرًا * مُتَّكِئِينَ فِيهَا عَلَى الْأَرَائِكِ لَا يَرَوْنَ فِيهَا شَمْسًا وَلَا زَمْهَرِيرًا * وَدَانِيَةً عَلَيْهِمْ ظِلَالُهَا وَذُلِّلَتْ قُطُوفُهَا تَذْلِيلًا
“Verily, the Abrar (pious, who fear Allaah and avoid evil), shall drink a cup (of wine) mixed with water from a spring in Paradise called Kafur. A spring wherefrom the slaves of Allaah will drink, causing it to gush forth abundantly. They (are those who) fulfill (their) vows, and they fear a Day whose evil will be wide-spreading. And they give food, in spite of love for it (or for the love of Him) to the Miskin (poor), the orphan, and the captive. (Saying), ‘We feed you seeking Allaah’s Countenance only. We wish for no reward nor thanks from you. Verily, we fear from our Lord, a Day, hard and distressful, that will make the faces look horrible.’ So Allaah saved them from the evil of that Day and gave them Nadratan (a light of beauty) and joy. And their recompense shall be Paradise and silken garments because they were patient. Reclining therein on raised thrones, they will see there neither the excessive heat of the sun, nor the excessive bitter cold, (as in Paradise there is no sun and no moon). And the shade thereof is close upon them, and the bunches of fruit thereof will hang low within their reach.”

• A guaranteed path to Paradise:
  ‘Ubadah ibn As-Samit (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Guarantee me six things from yourselves, and I will guarantee you Paradise: Tell the truth when you speak, fulfill your promises, return what you are entrusted with, guard your private parts, lower your gaze, and restrain your hands.” [Saheeh At-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb no. 1901. Authenticated by Al-Albaani who graded it Saheeh li Ghayrihi and graded Hasan in Saheeh Al-Jami’e no. 1018]

Sources:
The Character of Loyalty, by Ahmad Amaari
https://khutabaa.com
The Character of Loyalty
https://www.alukah.net