Betrayal is the action of betraying one's country, a group, or a person. Betrayal means "an act of deliberate disloyalty," like exposing state secrets to people not allowed to know, or even exposing some family member's weak point to others to belittle that person. Betrayal is also disloyalty to one's people when placed in a position of authority and putting the national interests at stake.
In the context of Islamic teachings and general moral principles, betrayal is the act of breaking trust, loyalty, or faith with someone who has placed confidence in you. It is considered a grave sin and a serious moral failing. Betrayal can occur in various forms, including:
- Breaking Trust: Violating the trust someone has placed in you, whether in personal relationships, business dealings, or other commitments.
- Deception: Lying or misleading someone who believes in your honesty and integrity.
- Infidelity: Being unfaithful in relationships, particularly marital infidelity.
- Treachery: Betraying one's country, community, or group for personal gain or out of malice.
- Disloyalty: Failing to support or uphold the interests of those to whom one owes loyalty, such as friends, family, or colleagues.
In view of the above evil actions of betrayal, Islam places a high value on trustworthiness and loyalty. Betrayal is explicitly condemned in both the Quran and Hadith.
In this context of betrayal and their shame, we share a hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which highlights the utter shame for those who betrayed their families, people or even nations for their personal gains and benefit: This Hadith is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī (Book 58 Jizyah and Mawaada'ah / كتاب الجزية والموادعة / Chapter 22: The sin of a betrayer / باب باب إِثْمِ الْغَادِرِ لِلْبَرِّ وَالْفَاجِرِ ) as Hadith 3188, given herein under:
Narrated Ibn `Umar:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Every betrayer will have a flag which will be fixed on the Day of Resurrection, and the flag's prominence will be made in order to show the betrayal he committed."
Arabic Text:
حَدَّثَنَا سُلَيْمَانُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا حَمَّادٌ، عَنْ أَيُّوبَ، عَنْ نَافِعٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ " لِكُلِّ غَادِرٍ لِوَاءٌ يُنْصَبُ لِغَدْرَتِهِ ".
That is when Allah gathers the earlier and later generations on the Day of Resurrection, He will raise a flag for every betrayer, and it will be announced: 'This is the betrayal of so-and-so, the son of so-and-so.' Let us examine this hadith as explained by the scholars:
Significance of the Flag: The flag symbolizes public exposure and disgrace for those who committed acts of betrayal. It serves as a warning and a mark of dishonor that everyone will see, highlighting the gravity of treachery.
Accountability on the Day of Judgment: This hadith emphasizes that betrayers will not escape accountability. Their actions will be publicly known, and they will be identified by their deeds.
Moral and Ethical Implications: The teachings stress the importance of trustworthiness, truthfulness, and fidelity in dealings and relationships. Betrayal is considered a severe moral failing in Islam, and the "betrayal flag" serves as a powerful deterrent against such behavior.
Thus in view of the above quoted hadith and its explanation, the concept of the "betrayal flag" underscores the seriousness of betrayal and treachery in Islam. It serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty, trust, and loyalty in all aspects of life, and the severe consequences of failing to uphold these values.
Taking this hadith as a caution, let us take a self appraisal and see if any action of ours is not tantamount to betrayal and if we get a negative feedback, then it is time to make amends. Let us be honest to ourselves and to our families, friends, societies and even nations, for betraying anyone has very serious ramification and will not be be forgiven. For it will be highlighted by the betrayal flag on the Day of Judgement and one will fetch nothing but utter shame. Let us save ourselves for this shame - time is now!!
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Warning and Cautions for more Hadiths on the subject
For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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