The word ‘Amânah’ (trust) is a very comprehensive term that entails: adherence to Islamic injunctions, fairness in dealings, and giving everybody their due. The decline in moral values such as honouring trusts is one of the signs of Qiyamah. Our Messenger (ﷺ) said:
“إِذَا ضُيِّعَتِ الأَمَانَةُ فَانْتَظِرِ السَّاعَةَ”.قَالَ كَيْفَ إِضَاعَتُهَا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، قَالَ “إِذَا أُسْنِدَ الأَمْرُ إِلَى غَيْرِ أَهْلِهِ، فَانْتَظِرِ السَّاعَةَ”
“When the practice of honouring a trust is lost, expect the Last Day.” He was asked: “How could it be lost?” He replied, “When the governance/authority is entrusted to undeserving people, then wait for the Last Day.”
The 3 types of trusts
1. A pledge made by a person to Allah ﷻ. Upon reciting the Kalimah and entering Islam, one declares complete submission to Allah and His messenger.
2. A pledge made by a person upon himself. e.g. a person takes an oath to perform a certain action for Allah.
3. A pledge made by two people, groups, governments, etc. This includes business transactions and marriages.