Imamate of One Who Breaks Promises

Question

Zayd is engaged in trade, but does not repay his debts on time; instead he keeps making promise after promise. He invites many people to take part in his trade, collects money from them, and keeps resorting to tricks and excuses when it comes to repayment. Jewellery is borrowed from Bakr on the grounds that his wife will attend some wedding, with a promise of three or four days, but it is not returned on time.

Answer

Breaking a promise without a reason recognised by the Shari‘a is impermissible and a sin. If at the time of promising there was the intention to fulfil it, but later, owing to some compulsion, he could not fulfil it, there is no harm in that. Frowning when a legal ruling (mas’ala) is explained is also bad.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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