ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd رضي الله عنه said:
“The first thing you will lose from your religion is trustworthiness, and the last thing you will lose is prayer; and there will be people who pray but have no religion.”
[Al-Sunan al-Kubrā lil-Bayhaqī, 12696]
Explanation
In this profound statement, Ibn Masʿūd رضي الله عنه warns of a gradual decline in people’s commitment to their religion. He explains that one of the first qualities to disappear is trustworthiness (amānah), while prayer will be among the last outward signs of Islam to remain.
Trustworthiness is a fundamental part of the religion. It includes honesty, fulfilling promises, safeguarding the rights of others, and carrying out one’s responsibilities sincerely. When trust is lost, relationships break down, corruption spreads, and faith becomes weak.
Allah سبحانه وتعالى says:
“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due.”
[Qur’an 4:58]
Ibn Masʿūd رضي الله عنه then mentions that prayer will be the last thing people lose from their religion. Yet he warns that there will come a time when some people continue to pray outwardly while neglecting the faith, sincerity, and obedience that prayer is meant to produce.
Allah سبحانه وتعالى says:
“Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing.”
[Qur’an 29:45]
Prayer is not merely a set of movements performed throughout the day. Rather, it is an act of worship that should strengthen a believer’s connection with Allah, increase his faith, and keep him away from sin. If prayer no longer affects a person’s character and conduct, then he should reflect upon the state of his heart and his sincerity in worship.
The Importance of Trustworthiness in Islam
Trustworthiness is not limited to wealth or property. It includes every responsibility entrusted to a person. Among its forms are:
- Fulfilling promises and agreements.
- Speaking truthfully.
- Returning the rights of others.
- Performing acts of worship sincerely.
- Protecting secrets and trusts.
- Carrying out responsibilities with honesty.
The Prophet ﷺ was known among his people as Al-Amīn, the Trustworthy, even before revelation came to him. This noble quality should be present in every Muslim.
Lessons From This Statement
This narration teaches us several important lessons:
- Religious decline often happens gradually.
- Trustworthiness is one of the foundations of faith.
- Prayer must be accompanied by sincerity and obedience.
- Outward actions alone are not enough.
- A believer should constantly evaluate the condition of his heart.
The Salaf feared that people would preserve the outward forms of worship while neglecting their true purpose. For this reason, they paid great attention to sincerity, good character, and fulfilling trusts.
Conclusion
The words of Ibn Masʿūd رضي الله عنه remind us that Islam is more than outward rituals. True religion combines prayer, trustworthiness, sincerity, and righteous character.
As Muslims, we should strive to protect our prayers and fulfill every trust placed upon us, fearing the gradual loss of these qualities from our lives.
May Allah سبحانه وتعالى make us among those who establish prayer sincerely and uphold the trusts entrusted to them.
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