Ibn ‘Umar reported God’s Messenger as saying, “The perfidious one will have a standard set up for him on the day of resurrection, and announcement will be made that this is the perfidy* of so and so, the son of so and so.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)* This is explained as meaning the sign, result, or punishment of his perfidy.
The Offices of Commander and Qadi - Mishkat al-Masabih 3725
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, transmitted through the trustworthy narrator Ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), addresses the grave sin of perfidy (ghadr) - which encompasses betrayal of trust, breaking covenants, and deception in agreements.
Exposition of the Text
The Prophet's statement "will have a standard set up for him" indicates public humiliation on the Day of Judgment. Just as banners identify military commanders in worldly life, this banner will identify the treacherous person before all creation.
The public announcement "this is the perfidy of so and so" serves as divine justice - exposing what was hidden in worldly life. This public shaming is proportionate to the secret nature of their betrayal during earthly existence.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam al-Nawawi explains that perfidy includes breaking trusts, violating treaties, and deceiving in transactions. The banner serves as both identification and punishment, matching the crime's severity.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that mentioning the father's name ("son of so and so") emphasizes complete exposure, removing any doubt about identity and adding to the humiliation.
Al-Qurtubi states this punishment is reserved for those who died unrepentant of their treachery, showing Allah's perfect justice in exposing hidden evils.
Legal and Ethical Implications
This hadith establishes the gravity of keeping trusts and honoring agreements in Islamic law. It applies to rulers, judges, merchants, and all Muslims in their dealings.
Scholars derive that repentance from perfidy requires restoring rights to those wronged and seeking forgiveness. Mere verbal repentance without restitution is insufficient for such violations of others' rights.
Conclusion
This profound narration serves as a severe warning against treachery in all its forms. It reminds believers that nothing is hidden from Allah and that divine justice will manifest fully on the Day of Resurrection. The wise take heed and purify their transactions and covenants accordingly.