- One who makes a covenant in Allah's Name but proves treacherous: This refers to someone who swears an oath or makes a commitment, invoking Allah’s name, but later breaks their word or fails to fulfill the promise. It can apply to any agreement or contract, whether personal or professional, where a person is untrustworthy or dishonest in honoring their commitment. In Islam, trustworthiness is highly valued, and breaking an oath is considered a grave sin, especially when done in the name of Allah.
- One who sells a free person (as a slave) and eats the price: This is a reference to human trafficking, which is a severe injustice. In the past, people could become enslaved for various reasons, but the sale of a free person (i.e., someone who is not a slave) is a grave offense. This part of the hadith condemns anyone who exploits others by selling them into slavery and unjustly taking the money gained from such an act. The hadith condemns human exploitation and trafficking, highlighting the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of every individual.
- One who employs a laborer and gets the full work done by him but does not pay him his wages: This refers to someone who hires a worker to do a job but fails to pay them for their labor. In Islam, paying workers for their labor is considered a serious obligation. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) warned that the rights of workers must be fulfilled promptly and fairly. Not paying someone for their work or delaying their wages is unjust and will be held against the employer in the Hereafter.
- Honesty and integrity are core values in Islam, and breaking trust in contracts or promises is a serious sin.
- Exploitation of others—whether by enslaving a free person or by withholding wages—is seen as a profound moral failing.
- The hadith teaches that social justice and fair treatment of others are vital in Islam, especially in dealings that affect people's dignity, freedom, and livelihood.
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.