person forgot. Sayyidunā IsmāꜤīl عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلاَم continued waiting until the evening came, then the night passed, and the next day began.   

After a full night passed, the person remembered and went there, and he saw Sayyidunā IsmāꜤīl عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلاَم still waiting at that same spot. He asked in surprise, “Are you still here?” I forgot.”

Now, behold the noble character of the Prophet! He did not show any anger, nor did he scold or speak ill of the person. Instead, he said with gentleness, “I would have remained here until you came.”^[1]

سُـبْحٰـنَ الـلّٰــه! Dear Islamic brothers! This is the rank of Sayyidunā IsmāꜤīl عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلاَم, the Prophet of Allah Almighty! It is in his memory that we perform qurbani, and every year thousands of animals are slaughtered in the name of Allah. This is indeed a good act; the sacrifice must be performed, and it is compulsory (Wājib) upon those whom it is due; otherwise, they will be sinful. However, along with this, we should also adopt the character of the one in whose memory we perform qurbani. He was true to his promises; whenever he made a promise, he fulfilled it.

Unfortunately, our situation has become the opposite. Fulfilling promises is part of our religion, yet people make promises and do not keep them. A person says: "I will meet you at such-and-such time," but does not show up. A debtor promises to repay at a certain time but does not repay the loan. If, for some reason, the arrangement could not be made, they do not even ask for more time; rather, they avoid the person altogether. In fact, matters have worsened to the point that people show arrogance toward those to whom they owe money. May Allah Almighty have mercy upon us. There are many examples of breaking promises; just observe Eid-ul-Adha. Butchers make promises but do not arrive on time, while those who intend to perform qurbani are left waiting. This is a bad practice.

Breaking a promise is Forbidden

The Imam of Ahl al-Sunnah, Imam Aḥmad Razā Khān  رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه states:

خُلْفُ الْوَعْدِ حَرَامٌ