Honesty and Trustworthiness
It is often said that a “man is only as good as his word.” This held true in pre-Islamic Arabic culture, when trust and loyalty were matters of life and death. In Islam, honesty gained additional importance as a matter of faith. Believers are described as being truthful and upright; they must keep their promises and fulfill their trusts. “Oh you who believe! Fear Allah and be with those who are truthful” (Qur'an 9:119). Those who reject faith are often described as liars and hypocrites, and Muslims are warned against following in their footsteps. Islam considers giving false testimony one of the worst sins committed by people against each other.
Backbiting
Muslims are instructed not to talk about people behind their backs. “Oh you who believe! Avoid suspicion as much as possible, for suspicion in some cases is a sin. And do not spy on each other, nor speak ill of each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? No, you would abhor it” (Qur'an 49:12).
Muhammad used to tell people that backbiting is “to say something about your brother which he dislikes.” His companions asked what they should do if negative remarks about a person were true. He responded, “If what you say is true about him, you have backbitten against him, and if it is not true then you have committed slander against him.” Either case is a serious sin. Muslims are advised again and again to be careful of their tongue. “Whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should say what is good, or keep silent,” Muhammad advised.
When called upon to arbitrate in disputes, Muslims are required to be equitable to both parties. This is especially difficult if one of the two parties is a relative or friend, or if one has predisposed opinions about the matter. Muslims must be fair and impartial no matter what. The Qur'an advises: “And when you judge between people, that you judge with justice” (Qur'an 4:58).
Oaths and Promises
Muslims are obliged to fulfill their promises and meet the terms of contracts or agreements. When we make agreements, the other party trusts us to fulfill our end of the bargain. Muslims are forbidden from reneging on promises. The Qur'an says, “And those who respect their trusts and covenants; and those who stand firm in their testimonies; and those who strictly guard their worship — such will be the honored ones in the Gardens of Bliss” (Qur'an 70:32–35). Muhammad also taught, “Speak the truth when you talk, keep your promise when you make it, fulfill your trust when you are trusted, and restrain your hands from injustice.”
Hypocrisy
Muslims are further advised to “practice what they preach.” Muslims should not advise people to do things that they themselves would not do. This is a sign of hypocrisy. “Oh you who believe! Why do you say, that which you do not? Grievously hateful is it, in the sight of Allah, that you say that which you do not” (Qur'an 61:2–3).
Muhammad described the characteristics of a hypocrite: “Whenever he is entrusted, he betrays his trust. Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie. Whenever he makes a covenant, he breaks it. Whenever he quarrels, he behaves in an evil and insulting manner.” Most people would agree that such a person is not grounded in the spirit of his or her faith.
