Key Qur'anic Verses


3. Honesty and truthfulness

"O you who believe! Be conscious of God and be with those who are true (in word and deeds)." [9/al-Tauba/119]

Note: Nothing really would matter if it is not true. God, the Hereafter, Heaven, Hell would not matter if those are not true. Thus, the most important foundation of Islam is the Truth. That, for us as individuals, translates into honesty and truthfulness. It is no wonder that Allah groomed his last messenger right in front of his community such that he was given the title al-Amin (the trustworthy). It is also no wonder that the Prophet staked his message on his truthfulness and trustworthiness, when he first proclaimed his Prophethood in front of the community around him. He asked them whether they knew if he had ever lied. They, from their experience, confirmed that he had not. Then, he presented his message as the last Messenger of God. Nothing has been more fundamental to the Prophet's personality and character than honesty and truthfulness.

Truthfulness is neither easy nor painless until it becomes the second nature of a person. The Prophet taught, "Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. And a man keeps on telling the truth until he becomes a truthful person. Falsehood leads to Al-Fajur (i.e. wickedness, evil-doing), and Al-Fajur (wickedness) leads to the (Hell) Fire, and a man may keep on telling lies till he is written before Allah, a liar." [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8:116] 

Whether it is a promise or contract, oath or covenant, truthfulness is an essential element of it. We already see the wide ranging impact of lack of honesty and trustworthiness in our personal and collective life. The Prophet also warned: "When honesty is lost, then wait for the Hour (Doomsday)." [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 1:56]  

As human beings, we can sometime fail to uphold honesty and truthfulness. But we must not yield to our failure and shortcomings. We must try and keep trying harder in our commitment.

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