Keeping Secrets and Trusts (Amanah)

Suyuti1 · Jun 07, 2025, 02:27 PM

In Islam, keeping secrets and fulfilling trusts (Amanah) is a sign of faith and integrity. A Muslim must never betray the confidence of another, whether personal, financial, or spiritual.

Allah says in the Qur'an:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ أَن تُؤَدُّوا الْأَمَانَاتِ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهَا
"Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due..."
— Surah An-Nisa (4:58)

The Prophet ﷺ warned about betrayal of secrets:

"إِذَا حَدَّثَ الرَّجُلُ الْحَدِيثَ ثُمَّ الْتَفَتَ فَهِيَ أَمَانَةٌ"
"When a man speaks to another and then turns away, it becomes a trust (not to be disclosed)."
— Sunan Abu Dawud (4868)

The Sahaba were known for their strict observance of amanah. Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman (RA) was famously called the "keeper of the Prophet's secrets" because he was entrusted with the names of the hypocrites — and never disclosed them, even under pressure.

Betraying a trust is a sign of hypocrisy. The Prophet ﷺ said:

"آيَةُ الْمُنَافِقِ ثَلَاثٌ... وَإِذَا اؤْتُمِنَ خَانَ"
"The signs of a hypocrite are three... and when he is entrusted, he betrays the trust."
— Sahih al-Bukhari (33)

Fulfilling amanah strengthens community, nurtures respect, and is a gateway to Jannah.

Keeping Secrets and Trusts (Amanah)

Suyuti1

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