We Must Fulfill Our Promises to Allah (SWT): Reflections on Surah At-Tauba

By Muhammad Rizwan-ul Haque

Founding Chairman, Dawood Family Takaful | CEO of an Investment Bank | Director of a Trust

Originally published: June 21, 2018

Introduction

The Qur’an repeatedly draws attention to human behavior, highlighting not only our strengths but also our weaknesses. Surah At-Tauba presents powerful verses that reflect the character of humanity in general, and Muslims in particular, especially when it comes to promises made to Allah (SWT).

A Forgotten Promise

These verses appear especially relevant to the people of Pakistan, a nation created after immense sacrifice with the intention of living according to Islamic principles. The demand for a separate homeland was rooted in the desire to practice Islam freely. Sadly, over time, those collective promises and heartfelt prayers have been largely forgotten.

A Covenant with Allah

Allah (SWT) states in Surah At-Tauba:

“And among them are those who made a covenant with Allah, saying: ‘If He gives us from His bounty, we will surely give charity and be among the righteous.’”(Surah At-Tauba, 9:75)

This verse reflects a familiar pattern: promises made in times of hardship, conditional upon divine assistance.

Promises and Prayers

Many of us pledged that if Allah answered our prayers, through prosperity, independence, or success, we would support the poor and live righteously. However, once blessings were granted, worldly desires often took precedence over spiritual commitments.

Turning Away After Receiving Blessings

Allah (SWT) further warns:

“But when He gave them from His bounty, they became miserly with it and turned away, refusing.”(Surah At-Tauba, 9:76)

This verse captures the tragic shift from gratitude to neglect, from commitment to indifference.

Consequences of Broken Promises

As a result of this behavior, Allah (SWT) describes a severe spiritual consequence:

“So He penalized them with hypocrisy in their hearts until the Day they meet Him, because they failed Allah in what they promised Him and because they used to lie.”(Surah At-Tauba, 9:77)

Disunity, internal conflict, and moral decline are not accidental, they are outcomes of broken promises and collective hypocrisy.

A Crisis of Character

Today, many individuals in positions of power demonstrate dishonesty and a lack of trustworthiness. Although constitutional provisions state that no law should contradict the Qur’an and Sunnah, Shariah principles are frequently violated. This contradiction between belief and practice is a clear manifestation of hypocrisy.

Allah Knows What Is Hidden

The Qur’an reminds us:

“Do they not know that Allah knows what they conceal and what they whisper, and that Allah is the Knower of all that is unseen?”(Surah At-Tauba, 9:78)

No justification, secrecy, or political maneuvering can hide intentions from Allah (SWT).

Islamic Institutions and Moral Compromise

Institutions such as Islamic councils and Shariat courts are well aware of these realities. However, many have compromised their moral authority in exchange for worldly benefits; power, influence, privileges, and luxury.

By doing so, they fail to serve the true cause of Islam and fall short of their responsibility to uphold justice and truth.

Conclusion

Surah At-Tauba serves as a powerful reminder that promises to Allah (SWT) are not symbolic, they are binding. Prosperity without gratitude, power without justice, and faith without action lead only to hypocrisy and decline. True revival begins when individuals and institutions alike return sincerely to their commitments to Allah, in belief and in practice.