Anas reported the Prophet as saying, “Every perfidious one will have a standard on the day of resurrection by which he will be recognized.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
The Offices of Commander and Qadi - Mishkat al-Masabih 3726
This tradition from Anas ibn Malik, recorded in both Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, addresses the grave sin of perfidy (ghadr) and betrayal of trust.
Exegesis of the Prophetic Warning
The "standard" (liwa') mentioned signifies a distinctive mark of shame that will manifest the inner reality of betrayal outwardly on Judgment Day. Just as military banners identify troops in battle, this banner will expose the faithless.
Perfidy encompasses all forms of trust violation: breaking treaties, betraying confidences, dishonoring agreements, and political treachery. The Prophet particularly emphasized this for those in authority.
Scholarly Commentary from Mishkat al-Masabih
Imam al-Nawawi explains this banner serves as divine justice - making hidden betrayals publicly known. The greater the trust violated, the more conspicuous this mark of disgrace.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes this applies particularly to rulers and judges who betray public trust. Their banner will be highest, corresponding to their grave responsibility before Allah.
Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that this divine exposure serves as both punishment for the perfidious and warning to creation about the consequences of violating sacred trusts (amanah).
Practical Implications
Muslims must honor all covenants: marital vows, business contracts, political agreements, and confidential matters. The most severe perfidy involves betraying the covenant with Allah through disbelief after faith.
This hadith particularly cautions those in leadership positions - commanders, judges, and administrators - that their breaches of trust carry greater weight and consequence in divine judgment.