21- BREAKING ONE'S PROMISE ( G A D R )

One of the things that causes anger is to break one's promise or word (Gadr). When a person
promises something, it is called a promise (Va’d). If the promise is carried out by two persons
mutually, it is called "Ahd". A promise (Va’d) which is strengthened by oath is called "Misak".
When one of those who mutually promised something, e.g., made an agreement (Ahd), breaks
the promise or agreement without informing the other party, he would be committing "Gadr".
For example, if the leader of a state of a country perceives or understands that he has to break the
peace agreement with a "disbelieving" neighboring country, it is necessary (Wajib) for him to
inform them. It is not permissible (Jaiz) to break the peace agreement without informing them
first. In one hadith, Rasulullah, peace be upon him, said, "He who makes "Gadr" will pay for
it severely during the Judgement day (Qiyamat)." Making "Gadr" is forbidden. Keeping the
agreement (Ahd) performed with disbelievers is necessary.
In one hadith, Rasulullah, peace be upon him, said, "An untrustworthy person does not
possess belief. A person who breaks his agreement 'Ahd' does not possess religion." This
hadith points out that those who break their promises do not have mature belief and those who do
not pay attention to these will lose their belief.