Rulings on one who betrays a trust, whether in speech or otherwise, and its expiation

The questioner : What is the ruling on one who betrays a trust, whether in speech or otherwise? And what is its expiation?

The Shaykh : Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, the Seal of the Prophets and the Imam of the Pious, and upon his family and his Companions, and those who follow them with excellence until the Day of Judgment:
Betraying a trust is one of the signs of hypocrisy. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: . It is not permissible for anyone to betray a trust, whether it is verbal or practical, because if he does so, he possesses one of the signs of hypocrisy. This may spread until it reaches major hypocrisy, may Allah protect us from it. If a person tells you a story and says it is a trust, it is forbidden for you to disclose it to anyone. If he deals with you in a certain way and says it is a trust, it is forbidden for you to disclose it to anyone. If you do so, you have betrayed the trust. However, if you made a mistake and betrayed the trust, it is obligatory for you to seek forgiveness from the one who trusted you, because you have wronged him by betraying him. Perhaps Allah will guide him to forgive you. It is recommended for the one whose brother comes to him apologizing to forgive him and release him from the obligation, so that his reward is with Allah (Mighty and Majestic), as He the Exalted said: . Undoubtedly, trusts differ in their effects. Disclosing the secret of a trust may be great, leading to many harms, or it may be moderate, or it may be minor.