Mufuna: The Pillar of Integrity in Islamic Teachings

The Muslim is a promise-keeper, his word is bond.

“Mufuna,” derived from the Arabic word “الموفون” (Al-Mufuna), signifies those who faithfully fulfill their promises and commitments. This concept is deeply embedded in Islamic teachings and is highlighted as a key aspect of righteousness or ‘Birr’ in the Quran.

Role in the Five Pillars of Birr (2:177): The verse from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177) beautifully encapsulates the essence of Birr, laying out the framework for righteous living in Islam. It states: “Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.”

In this verse, “Mufuna” represents those who keep their promises, an attribute that is placed alongside fundamental Islamic practices like prayer (Salah) and almsgiving (Zakah). This underscores the importance of integrity and honesty in Islam.

Other Quranic References Emphasizing Mufuna:

1. Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:1): “O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts. Lawful for you are the animals of grazing livestock except for that which is recited to you [in this Qur’an] – [being] lawful and good. So eat of what Allah has provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is [indeed] Him that you worship.”
2. Surah Al-Isra (17:34): “And fulfill [the terms of] every commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.”
3. Surah Al-Ahzab (33:23): “Among the believers are men true to what they promised Allah. Among them is he who has fulfilled his vow [to the death], and among them is he who awaits [his chance]. And they did not alter [the terms of their commitment] by any alteration.”

In Islam, “Mufuna” goes beyond mere adherence to rituals; it is about upholding truthfulness, reliability, and sincerity in all aspects of life. These Quranic verses emphasize that keeping promises and being steadfast in one’s commitments are pivotal to achieving righteousness. They highlight the integral role of moral integrity in building a strong individual character and a just society. Thus, “Mufuna” is not just an Islamic principle but a universal value that resonates with the ethical foundations of human society.