Upholding Treaties and Agreements
📖Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1580
Narrated Abu Al-Faid: “I heard Sulaim bin ‘Amir saying: ‘There was a treaty between Mu’awiyah and the people of Rome. He was making an expedition into their lands so that when the period of the treaty expired he would attack them. So a man upon an animal – or upon a horse – said: “Allahu Akbar! Fulfillment, not betrayal!” – and it turned out to be ‘Amr bin ‘Abasah. Mu’awiyah asked him about that. He said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘Whoever has a treaty between himself and a people, then let him not violate the treaty nor try to change it until its time has passed, or in retribution for a similar offense.’” He said: “So Mu’awiyah returned with the people.””
- Respecting Treaties: Islam places great importance on honoring agreements and treaties, even with non-Muslim nations. This hadith shows that military strategy or political interest cannot override a valid treaty.
- Prophetic Principle Over Political Strategy: Even though Mu’awiyah was preparing a surprise attack right after the treaty expired, the reminder from the hadith halted the plan, showing that the Prophet ﷺ’s words must be followed above political ambition.
- Accountability to Hadith and Ethical Conduct: The rebuke by ‘Amr bin ‘Abasah shows that every Muslim, regardless of their position, is responsible for upholding Islamic ethics. It also highlights the importance of reminding leaders when they deviate from prophetic guidance.
Quranic Context:
📖Quran 16:91
And fulfill the covenant of Allah when you have taken it, and do not break oaths after confirming them while you have made Allah a witness over you. Indeed, Allah knows what you do.
— Breaking a treaty after agreement is seen as a serious violation in the sight of Allah.
📖Quran 8:56
Quranic Context:
Those with whom you made a treaty, but they break their pledge every time, and do not fear Allah.
— Islam strongly condemns those who repeatedly break their agreements.
📖Quran 9:4
Except those with whom you made a treaty among the polytheists, and they have not failed you in anything nor supported anyone against you – so fulfill their treaty until their term. Indeed, Allah loves those who are mindful of Him.
— This verse directly supports the principle shown in the hadith: keep treaties until their agreed term unless the other party violates it first.
Islamic teachings demand truthfulness and integrity, especially in international dealings and war. Violating a treaty is not just a political failure – it’s a spiritual betrayal. Muslims are commanded to uphold their promises even when it seems strategically disadvantageous, because true victory lies in obedience to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.