The AMANAH 'TRUST' Part 1

by Yousuf Saleh 24th January 2014

All Praise is due to Allah (swt) who is the Sustainer of all the Universe. May the peace and blessings of Allah (swt) be upon Muhammad (saws), his family, his companions and all those who follow him in righteousness until the day of resurrection, Amma Bad.

Respected brothers and sisters at home,Today’s khutba is about ‘AL-AMANAH’. Al-Amanah is a Quranic word, what might be translated in English as "Trust". The subject of Trust is so important in our life: if we understand the essence of this subject properly and if we implement it in every aspect of our life, like the Prophets (as) and their companions did, we will become among the righteous people in both worlds insha Allah. If people trust one another and if they act accordingly, they will live in peace and harmony. Lack of Trust creates a state of anarchy. If we do not trust one another and then if we spread suspicion and doubt we will createa state of confusion and a state of disturbance in the society.

Respected brothers and sister at home. As you all know, one of the attributes of Allah (swt) is AL KHAALIQUE the Creator. He is the creator of everything. He has given us the will power, by which we are able to act rightly or wrongly. He has allowed thisopportunity only for human beings among His numerous creations. A human can be anobedient slave ofAllah (swt)or can be a disobedient one. He can accept Allah (swt)’s guidance or choose not to. He has been blessed by Allah (swt) byall the resources and all the faculties, so he can use them in right way or at the same time he can abuse them. Allah (swt) has honored us and instructed us to put our trust in Him.

He has demanded that we should fulfill our trusts. It is understood that Allah Himself is the One Who fulfills His promises. He commanded us to fulfill our own promises, too. He says in Surah AnNisa' (The Women):..." (4:58)" Verily, Allah (swt) instructs you to return trusts to their rightful owners and that you judge between people with justice’

It should be understood that the concept of Amanah (Trust) has been given to us since the time Allah (swt) created mankind. Allah offered the trust to the universe, and every creation refused to assume the responsibility. The only creature who assumed such a responsibility is man. In this respect, Allah informs us about His offer of the trust to the universe in Surah Al-Ahzab, (33:72)

"We did indeed offer the trust to the Heavens and the Earth and the mountains; but they refused to undertake it, being afraid thereof: but man undertook it; he was indeed unjust and foolish."

Respected brothers and sisters at home, Allah has instructed us to fulfill our pledges, our promises and our commitments. Any time we make a promise, we have to fulfill it in order to be considered among the believers is that they fulfill their covenants, their promises and their agreements. In Surah Al-Mu'minun (The Believers), Allah says about the good qualities of the believers: "Those who faithfully observe their trusts and their covenants."

I should point out that our beloved Prophet (saw) was called Al-Amin: The Trustworthy Person. He fulfilled all of his promises from his childhood until his death. He never deceivedanyone; He was the best example of a man to mankind.

. In A Hadeeth mentioned in Ahmad and Abu Dawood, the Prophet (saw) said, "Discharge the settlement to those who entrusted you, and don't betray even the one who broke his promise. In another Hadith it is reported that it is very important to keep things in confidence.

We are advised by ourProphet (saw) that if someone talks to another person and he does not want his name to be released, it is considered to be an Amanah. Whoever does not keep the secret, he is a betrayer. In one Hadith it is reported in Ahmad thatthe Prophet (saw) said:

"When someone hears a discussion from a person who does not want his name to be released, it is considered to be a private conversation. It is a trust and even if he did not ask to be kept private." Ahmad

Respected brothers and sisters at home. Our belovedProphet (saw) explained to us the things that help us to live an honest and a happy life. In A HadeethReported by Abdullah Ibn Umar (RA)the Prophet (pbuh) said: "If you have four qualities, you should not worry about what you missed in life: To take care of the trust, to take care of the truth, to have good manners, and to have modest and pure food."

In another Hadeeth reported by Irbad ibn saariyah (ra) mentioned in Bukhari and Muslim the Prophet (saw) said ‘The best of people are those who fulfill their trusts’. Respected brothers and sisters at home, I would like to end my khutbah with an Ayah from the Qur'an in Surah Al-Ma'arij (70:32-35) Allah (swt) said, "...and those who respect their trusts and covenants; and those who stand firm in their testimonies; and those who guard the sacredness of their worship; such will be the honored ones in the Gardens of Bliss."

May Allah (swt) keep us on the straight path of Islam. May Allah guide us, help us and bless us. Ameen.