Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah bin Abil Hamsaa (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) mentions:
I once conducted a business transaction with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) before he was blessed with nubuwwah (prophethood) by Allah Ta‘ala. On concluding the transaction, there was an outstanding amount that I owed Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). I promised to fetch the money and return with it immediately to that very place.
After leaving, I completely forgot my promise, and only remembered three days later. I returned to the place where I met him and found him still waiting for me! Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “O youngster! You have put me through difficulty. I have been here for three days, awaiting your return.”
(Sunan Abi Dawood #4996)
Lesson:
By agreeing to wait for Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah bin Abil Hamsaa (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to return with the money, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had given his word that he would be there when Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) returned. Although Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) did not return as promised, due to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) possessing the highest level of truthfulness and character, he remained true to his word by continuing to wait in that very place for three days!
This clearly highlights the spirit of truthfulness that is advocated by Islam. Often, we give people our word, yet have no intention of fulfilling our promise. Alternatively, we make a promise intending to fulfil it, but thereafter change our minds and casually decide to ‘forget’ about it. Whether we are workmen such as plumbers, carpenters, electricians, or professionals such as doctors and lawyers, or ordinary people in the business place or home, regardless of who we are, we should always adhere to our word. If we give someone an appointment or promise to meet them or go to their home at a certain time, we should uphold our promise.
If, due to unforeseen circumstances we are unable to fulfil our promise, we should, at the very least, contact the person to apologize and inform them that we will be late or will not make it at the appointed time. Failing to do so causes one to incur the sin of putting people through difficulty and inconvenience.