Importance of obligations
By Khalid Durrani
Inour life we undertake many mutual obligations, expressed or implied. We make promises, we enter into commercial and social contracts including those of marriage. But do we realize the importance of faithfully fulfilling these obligations? Perhaps not.
The result is evident in the form of rapidly deteriorating social and moral values, in discipline and chaos. Surah Al Maaidah (5), Ayat 1, categorically and candidly commands, "You who believe! fulfil all obligations."
Abdullah Yusuf Ali in his commentary on this Ayat has written that this verse is so comprehensive that it forms a paragraph or a chapter by itself. The Arabic word "uqud" (translated as obligations) implies so many things that a whole chapter of commentary can be written on it.
There are mainly two types of obligations. First, there are divine obligations that arise from our spiritual nature and our relation to Allah. Then, there are worldly obligations that govern the very existence of human society. Allah made nature responsive to our needs.
He further sent messengers and teachers for the guidance of our conduct in individual, social and public life. All these gifts create corresponding obligations in our material relationships. If for example, a group or a state enters into a treaty, every individual in that group or state is bound to see that such obligations are faithfully discharged. Living in a civil society, we must respect its tacit conventions, unless they are morally wrong, and in that case we must get out of that society.
There are tacit obligations of hosts and guests, wayfarers and companions, employers and employees, which every man of faith must discharge conscientiously. And, of course, any individual commitments or promises must be honoured and fulfilled with the same sanctity.
Ayat 152 of Surah Al Anaam (16) commands us to ensure fulfilment of commitments of all types. It reads, "...Whenever you speak, speak justly, even if a near relative is concerned; and fulfil the covenant of Allah: Thus does He command you, so that you may remember."
The covenant of Allah must be taken in its wider meaning that encompasses all obligations toward the Almighty and also towards His creatures. The sacred duty of fulfilling all obligations of all kinds, to Muslims and non-Muslims, in public as well as private life, is a cardinal feature of Muslim ethics.
Cases of those who abuse this principle, by failing in their duties but expect the Muslims to do their part, are not to be settled (in case of treaties) by a general denunciation of treaties but by a careful consideration of cases where there has been fidelity and not treachery.
There we are enjoined to give the strictest fidelity as it is a part of righteousness and our duty to Allah. Ayat 4 of Surah At-Tauba (9) explains the above principle in these words, "(But the treaties are) not dissolved with the pagans with whom you have entered into alliance and who have not subsequently failed you, nor aided anyone against you.
So fulfil your engagement with them to the end of their term: for Allah loves the righteous." The importance of truthfulness in word and deed is further mentioned in Ayat 119 of Surah At-Tauba (9), "You who believe! Fear Allah and be with those who are true (in word and deed)."
Ayat 34 of Surah Al-Asra (17) reads, "...and fulfil (every) engagement, for every engagement will be enquired into (on the day of reckoning)." The engagements referred to in this particular Ayat relate to beneficial contracts connected with the orphan's property or promises or undertakings given by the guardian or implied in the terms of his appointment. But the words may also be interpreted in the general sense.
The Holy Quran commands us to be consistent in our words and deeds. Ayaat 221-226 of Surah Al-Shuara (26) say, "Shall I inform you, (o people!), on whom it is that the evil ones descend? They descend on every lying, wicked person... and that they say what they practise not."
At Uhud there was some disobedience, and therefore breach of discipline. People had talked much, but had failed to back up their resolution in words with firmness in action. But on all occasions when men's deeds are not commensurate with their words, their conduct is odious in the sight of Allah, and it is only due to Allah's mercy, if they are saved from disaster.
Ayaat 2-3 of Surah As-Saf (61) read, "O you who believe! Why do you say what you do not practise? Saying what you do not practise is grievously odious in the sight of Allah."
The hypocrite element that exists in any society is a source of weakness and danger to its health and its very existence. The hypocrites of all times appear to be plausible people.
Their words sound fair-spoken, and as truth does not check their tongues, their flattery and deception know no bounds. But all this is on the outside. As they have no sincerity, nothing that they say or do is worth anything.
Ayat 4 of Surah Al-Munafiqoon (63), talking about the hypocrites says, "Pleasing seems their persons when you look at them; and when they talk, you listen to their speech.
Yet they are like the wooden panelling of wall. They imagine every rebuke to be directed against them. They are the enemies, beware of them." Those who fulfil their promises and honour their commitments have been categorized in the Holy Quran, among those who will be honoured with an abode in the gardens of Paradise.
Ayaat 32-35 of Surah al-Maarij (70) say, "And those who fulfil their trusts and covenants, who uphold their testimonies, and those who are mindful of their devotional obligations, they will live in gardens with honour." Again in Surah Al-Dahr (76), such people have been promised protection from the evil of the day of judgment and the reward of eternal happiness and joy.
Ayaat 7-22 of this Surah say, "Those who fulfil their vows and fear the day whose evil shall be defused far and wide, and feed the needy for love of Him, and the orphans and the captives, (saying): "we feed you for the sake of Allah, desiring neither recompense nor thanks.
We fear the dismal day calamitous from our Lord." So Allah will protect them from the evil of that day, and grant them happiness and joy, and reward them for their perseverance..."
Obligation of fulfilling trusts, promises, commitments and covenants, express or implied, is just as sacred in everyday life as it is in special spiritual relationships.
In addition, our life itself and the talents that we are bestowed upon, as well as our wealth and possessions are trusts, of which we must fulfil the duties punctiliously.