The principle of oath keeping is\nconsidered one of the highest virtues in Islam. The teachings of the Holy Quran\nand the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) regard oath keeping as a fundamental requirement of\nfaith (1); where neglecting one\u2019s oath has been considered alongside\nirreligiousness and faithlessness. (2)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This principle does not pertain solely\nto relations between members of the religious community; they are responsible\nto observe this faith-oriented, yet humanistic rule also in respect to\nnon-Muslims whether they be friends or enemies. As evident in the life of the\nHoly Prophet (PBUH&HP), history shows us the many oaths the Prophet made\nand kept with the pagans, Christians of Najran, and other Arab tribes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Islamic teachings about observing\none\u2019s oath are innumerous. The following account is the order of Imam Ali\n(PBUH) to his commander in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The letter, which is known as \u201cthe\nMalik Ashtar letter of oath\u201d is an example of the glorious thoughts and ideas\nof Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH). The points made in this letter are said with such\ndetail and depth that one can say, they can accommodate the responsibility of\nall mankind towards the creator, whether it be as a person in any society, as a\nleader who carries out laws of the Islam, or as a person who lives under an\nIslamic government. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although Imam Ali (PBUH) has addressed\nMalik Ashtar in the letter, the concepts can be applied to every human being\nacross the world, past and present. Let us now review parts of the letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you made an\noath with an enemy, or showed him mercy, keep your oath and put your life as a\nguarantee to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Preserving one\u2019s oath and promise is a\ndivine principle strongly accepted by all mankind. For pagans, just as Muslims, the observing of\noath was also very important, for they had experienced the horrible consequences\nof breaking oaths. Therefore, never break your oaths and never betray your\nvows, and don\u2019t betray your enemy whom you have made an oath with. For, no one\nshows arrogance towards Allah (SWT) except the miserable ignorant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Almighty has designated His oath\nas a guarantee, and from His blessings has made its observance a responsibility\non all his servants. An Oath and an allegiance is a safe haven so people can be\nreassured to its persistence, and for all to choose as a haven. Trickery and\nbetrayal is not permissible in any oath. Never make an oath with unclear\ncontent, and once emphasis and strong statements have been made, do not use\nvague and two-sided phrases [to make it irrelevant.]<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beware the difficulty of an oath and\nyour pledge to Allah (SWT) that you have made does not entice you to void it\nthrough wrong means. For your patience during the hardships of an oath and\npledge to Allah (SWT) for which you have hopes for its outcome is better than\nthe betrayal and disloyalty that you fear its consequences. The same disloyalty\nthat will incite one\u2019s divine responsibility to such that he\/she will be unable\nto answer for in this world or the hereafter. (3)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(The above is a\nselection taken from \u201cThe Principles of Ruling from the vision of Imam Ali\n(PBUH)\u201d by Late Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Fadhil Lankarani (with minor changes))<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Roshd Website offers condolences\nto all Muslims, especially you dear friend, upon 21st of the Month of Ramadan,\nthe anniversary of the martyrdom of the symbol of justice and courage, the\nfather of the nation and the commander of the believers,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Amir al-Mu\u2019minin, Ali ibn Abi Talib\n(PBUH), and commemorates the Nights of Qadr.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Footnotes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. The Holy\nQuran (23:8)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. The Waram\nCollection, vol. 2, pg. 226<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Peak of\nEloquence, and excerpt from the Letter #53<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The principle of oath keeping is considered one of the highest virtues in Islam. The teachings of the Holy Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) regard oath keeping as a fundamental requirement of faith (1); where neglecting one\u2019s oath has been considered alongside irreligiousness and faithlessness. (2) This principle does not pertain solely to relations […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28248],"tags":[63251],"class_list":["post-4045","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-occasional-letters","tag-keeping-the-promise"],"yoast_head":"\n