while telling you, he keeps glancing about, fearing that someone might be listening, for those furtive looks show that he does not wish anyone else to learn of the matter.

A third indication is contextual: the very subject he relates to you is something one would normally feel embarrassed or afraid to mention, or something of that nature. In such a case it is unlawful for you to disclose or publicize the secret.

The author—may Allah have mercy on him—then adduces as proof the Almighty’s words, “And fulfil the covenant, for the covenant will be asked about” (Qur’an 17:34). In other words, whether you pledge yourself by explicit statement or by implicit understanding, you are obliged to honour the covenant.

Among these covenants are the conditions people agree upon in transactions such as purchase, lease, hire, collateral, and the like; every such stipulation counts as a covenant. The same applies to any treaty concluded between Muslims and non-Muslims: Muslims are duty-bound to fulfil it.

As for treaty-bound non-Muslims, Allah explains in Sūrah al-Tawbah that they fall into three categories. The first are those who continue to honour their treaty; with them we must likewise uphold ours.

The second are those who have broken the treaty; with them no covenant remains, for they have violated it. Allah the Exalted says, “Will you not fight a people who broke their oaths, resolved to expel the Messenger, and attacked you first?” (Qur’an 9:13).