Allah [may He be Glorified] said: "Verily! Allâh commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due; and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice. Verily, how excellent is the teaching, which He (Allâh) gives you! Truly, Allâh is Ever All-Hearer, All-Seer." (4:58)

Commentary:

1. "Trusts" means all that which man is entrusted and is required to fulfil. In this Glorious verse Allah commands people to discharge trusts without any infringement and to convey them to their recipients without delay. This includes responsibilities in every field of life, such as those related to authorities, properties, secrets and the acts commanded by Allah, whose fulfilment cannot be seen but by Allah.

2. The phrase "and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice" contains the ruling or judging among people in the cases of blood, properties and honour, in minor or major cases. In this regard, no difference should be made between relatives and non-relatives, the righteous and the disobedient, the friend and the enemy. Allah stressed this fact in the Glorious Qur'an when He said: "And let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety" (5:8)

The meaning of justice in this verse is what Allah ordained through His Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him).

3. The phrase "Verily, how excellent is the teaching which He (Allâh) gives you! Truly, Allâh is Ever All-Hearer, All-Seer)." denotes praise of the commandments and the prohibitions of Allah as they include serving both terrestrial and celestial interests. These commandments and prohibitions are in favour of the people and contain no harm because they are ordained by the All-Hearer and the All-Seer who knows what the people do not know of their benefits and interests.

See Tafsir Ibn Sa'di, p.148 (Al-Luwaihiq Edition).

On the authority of Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said that the Companions were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) when a Bedouin came to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and asked him about the exact date of the Hour. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) however proceeded with his speech to the audience. Some of the audience thought that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) heard what the man said but disliked his question and some others thought that he did not hear it. When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) finished his talk, he said: "Where is the one who asked about the date of the Hour? The man informed him of his existence. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) then said: "If the trust is betrayed and neglected, then expect the coming of the Hour". The man further asked about the trust and how it can be wasted or betrayed. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "When the matter is entrusted to those who are unqualified to implement its duties, then wait for the Hour" (Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Hadiths no.59, 6496)

An example of this is the conduct of some people in authority, who charge unqualified persons with the religious affairs, such as judicial office, Ifta' (issuing legal judgements, etc.).

Allah entrusts the people in authority with the affairs of the people and commands them to take care of their interests. So, if they employ unqualified persons, this will mean that they misuse the responsibility which Allah has entrusted them with.

There will not be a sign of the Hour unless after the disappearance of knowledge and the spread of ignorance.

If this happens, it will be a sign of the Day of Judgment as mentioned in the Hadith.

In Fath Al-Bari (1/142,143) (11/334) Imam Ibn Hajar mentioned some great benefits of this Hadith.