Yes, breaking a promise is considered haram (forbidden) in Islam.
Keeping one's word and fulfilling promises are highly emphasized virtues in Islam. Breaking a promise is viewed as a serious offense and a sign of hypocrisy.
The Importance of Fulfilling Promises in Islam
Islam places great importance on honesty, trustworthiness, and fulfilling commitments. This is reflected in various verses of the Quran and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
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Quranic Verse: The Quran strongly condemns those who break their promises. For example, Surah As-Saff (61:2-3) states: "O you who have believed, why do you say what you do not do? Greatly hateful is it in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do." This verse highlights the severity of breaking one's word in the eyes of God.
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Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) identified breaking promises as one of the signs of a hypocrite. He said, "There are four characteristics, whoever has them all, then he is a true hypocrite, and whoever has one of them, has one of the characteristics of hypocrisy until he leaves it: when he is trusted, he betrays; when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a covenant, he acts treacherously; and when he quarrels, he utters foul language." (Sahih al-Bukhari).
Circumstances Where Breaking a Promise Might Be Justified
While breaking a promise is generally prohibited, there may be exceptional circumstances where it could be justified. This is a complex issue and requires careful consideration and consultation with knowledgeable scholars. Some possible scenarios include:
- If fulfilling the promise would lead to harm: If keeping a promise would result in significant harm to oneself or others, breaking the promise might be permissible. Islamic jurisprudence prioritizes preventing harm.
- If the promise involved something unlawful: A promise to do something that is haram (forbidden) in Islam is not binding and should be broken.
Conclusion
In conclusion, breaking promises is a serious matter in Islam and is generally considered haram. Muslims are encouraged to be truthful, trustworthy, and diligent in fulfilling their commitments. While there may be rare exceptions, these should be carefully considered in light of Islamic teachings and guidance from scholars.
