Breach of Promise Fulfillment of promises is one of the...

Breach of Promise Fulfillment of promises is one of the noble traits with which the intelligent people adorn themselves: “Mention in the Book (the Quran) the story of Ishmael; he was true to his promise, a Messengers and a Prophet.” (19:54) As he promised a man, Ishmael the prophet confined himself in one place for a whole year waiting for him so as to keep his promise.

It is unfortunate that breach of promise, nowadays, has become a common phenomenon among Muslims who neglected its disadvantages that weaken the mutual confidence, corrupt the social relations, and harm the public interests. Imam as-Sadiq (a) said: “The promise of the believer is a ransomless vow. He who reneges breaks his word with Allah and exposes himself to His dislike. This is the meaning of Allah’s saying: Believers, why do you preach what you do not practice?

It is most hateful in the sight of Allah if you say something and do not practice it. (61:2-3) [^11]” The Prophet (S) once, promised he would wait for a man near a rock. When the heat of the sun became so intense, the Prophet’s companions suggested to him to stand in the shadow until that man would come. “No,” said he, “I promised him to wait near this rock. If he does not come, that will be his fault[^12].” Mocking Untruth Some people find nice to invent mocking lies in order to laugh at others.

Imam as-Sadiq (a) said: “For anyone who forges lies against a believer for the purpose of disgracing him, demeaning his personality, and sticking ill reputation to him, Allah will move him from His guardianship to the Shaitan’s. The Shaitan[^13], however, will not welcome him[^14].” Treatment of Untruth • The previously mentioned disadvantages of untruth, in addition to the material and ethical inconveniences, should be taken in consideration.

●The merits and virtues of truth should be kept in mind. • Mental training on telling truth and avoiding telling lies should be permanently practiced until untruth is completely erased. Justifications of Untruth Untruth is an unwilling vice that is forbidden by the Islamic law. But, there are certain circumstances in which telling untruths becomes allowable. In case a vital interest cannot be achieved unless untruth is committed, the Islamic Sharia permits it.

As an example on such vital interests we cite the salvation of a Muslim individual from killing or capture, the protection of the honor of a Muslim, or the guard of his property.

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