Truthfulness: Staircase to Heaven

Adil Salahi

Abdullah ibn Mas`ud quoted Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as saying,

Maintain truthfulness, for truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Heaven; A man continues to maintain truthfulness until he is recorded in Allah’s book as truthful. Refrain from lying, for lying leads to blatant evil, and evil leads to Hell; A man continues to lie until he is recorded in Allah’s book as a liar.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, and At-Tirmidhi)

Certain virtues are highly valued in all societies, one of which is truthfulness. Islam recognizes that other religions and communities attach great importance to such virtues. Islam also endorses such virtues and lays strong emphasis on them. Indeed, the Prophet said, “I have been sent with my message in order to complement the best of virtues” (Ahmad and Al-Hakim). In this definition of his message, the Prophet emphasizes that virtues that are acceptable to common sense exist in all societies and are inevitably upheld by all communities. What Islam does is to complement and perfect them.

Indeed, Islam has a unique way of doing that. It imparts to its followers a sense of direction that remains present in their minds throughout their lives. The ultimate aim is to win admission into Heaven. Every action we do can either bring us closer to that overall aim or move us away from it. Therefore, Muslims always weigh up their actions before embarking on them. If they are of strong faith, they have no hesitation in refraining from doing anything that diminishes the likelihood of them being admitted into Heaven. They are always aware that they may die at any moment, and they know that they must be prepared for the hereafter. Any indulgence in anything forbidden moves them away from attaining their goal. Therefore, they are always on their guard.

It is not surprising, therefore, that Islam stresses the great importance of those virtues that affect people’s behavior and their standing in society. One of these is truthfulness. Islam views falsehood in any form as utterly repugnant. To tell a lie is something that is totally unacceptable in Islam. The Prophet was once asked about various actions that Islam forbids and whether a believer may commit any of these. He said that a believer may be guilty of such forbidden things as theft, adultery, and drinking intoxicants, but a believer cannot tell a lie. Telling a lie is against the very concept of faith.

The Prophet made use of every occasion to stress certain points, the importance of which he wanted to drive home to all Muslims. It is not surprising that we find in his guidance a large number of hadiths that speak about the importance of being truthful and emphasize the absolute importance of refraining from lying. In the hadith at hand, he depicts truthfulness and falsehood as opposite powers leading those who practice them in opposite directions.

We note how the Prophet describes each course of action as a graded one, leading from one stage to another. When people maintain honesty and truthfulness, these become characteristics of all their actions and they are righteous. If they maintain that stage, then they are certain to be admitted into Heaven. This seems to be an easy way. Indeed, it is easy for people of consistency who turn away from falsehood whenever it presents itself to them as tempting or beneficial.

Scholars have identified six aspects of truthfulness that Muslims must maintain. First, refraining from telling any lies. Second, sincerity of intention; this means that Muslims do not say anything verbally when they have something different in mind. Third, truthful resolve; this means that if Muslims intend to do something good, they strengthen their resolve to do it, especially when the chance to fulfill their intention presents itself. Fourth, acting on what has been resolved. Fifth, sincerity of action. Finally, sincerity of attitude. This means that if Muslims say that they rely on Allah, they actually mean it and it is endorsed by their actions. Muslims who combine all the six aspects of truthfulness are thorough believers. Moreover, they are bound to be good, because truthfulness encourages every aspect of righteousness, and that leads to Heaven, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) explained.

Moreover, when Muslims maintain truthfulness, this becomes a characteristic of them and they earn the title of “truthful,” not merely among one another but also with Allah. This is a verdict passed on them and publicized among angels and other creatures of Allah.

Conversely, falsehood leads to evil, since liars think that they can cover up any evil action they commit with a lie. If they are successful once in this, they are encouraged to do it again. Thus, evil practices become a habit of theirs and every time they commit one of their practices, they bear its burden. Their evil actions are certain to weigh down heavily on them, and they will find that Allah’s forgiveness is not forthcoming in this case. This way, they earn their place in Hell.

What this actually means is that we are all on a journey that last throughout our life. We are either moving towards Heaven or towards Hell. Every deed we do is a step in our journey. We choose our directions. When we die, we reach the position towards which we have moved progressively. We are not admitted into Heaven or thrown into Hell out of a sudden. This is what is meant by righteousness leading to Heaven and evil leading to Hell.

People who continue to lie are recorded in Allah’s books as liars. That becomes a characteristic of theirs. They will be known among human beings, angels, and other creatures.  

It is important to realize that Islam abhors lying in all situations. It should be noted, however, that there are cases when telling a lie is acceptable. However, in normal situations, telling a lie is forbidden, whether it is said in earnest or in jest. Consider the following hadith in which `Abdullah ibn Mas`ud quotes the Prophet as saying,

Lying is improper whether in earnest or in jest. (All lying is unacceptable) even if anyone of you promises his child something and does not fulfill his promise. (Al-Bukahri in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad and Abu Dawud)

This hadith shows how repugnant lying is viewed in Islam. Most people do not find anything wrong with not fulfilling a certain promise given to a young child. The child is bound to forget or can be easily appeased with something else. But deliberate unfulfillment of a promise given to a child is unacceptable. In order to emphasize this last point, let me quote this report by `Abdullah ibn `Amir, a young Companion of the Prophet. He said,

My mother called me one day when Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) was in our house. She said, “Come and I will give you something.” Allah’s Messenger asked her, “What do you intend to give him?” She said, “I want to give him dates.” The Prophet said, “If you were not to give him something, your statement would be recorded against you as a lie.”  (Abu Dawud)

Tongue and Teeth

Inspired by The Young Muslims UK (YMUK)

 

The Tongue
The tongue: a mere piece of meat with no bones in it.but like a work-horse, it carries you forward-it speeds you to Paradise, or dumps you into Hell. Take control of it, or it takes control of you.

So how do you steer this beast? Read on!

Pick your teeth!
Backbiting: one of the greatest sins, yet something we fall into, time after time, often without realizing. You chat away with your friends, you mention somebody else, and suddenly, the horse is out of control.

Our societies revolve around shows like “Friends” and “Sienfeld”, shows based on lying, backbiting and cheating. But look to the best generation instead: when one of the companions spoke badly about someone who wasn’t there, the Prophet, the Prophet said to him: “Pick your teeth!” The companion said “but I haven’t eaten anything!” The Prophet said “You have eaten the flesh of your dead brother!”

As Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala tells us in the Qur’aan: “Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother?” [Hujuraat, verse 12]. The number three combo, a double McRotty, extra putrified, with a side order of squirmy white maggots? “No, you would hate it.”

But they deserve it!
Ok, back up a second. Is it still backbiting if it’s true? What if it’s only half true?Or what if they deserved it? They’re just mean, vicious little creatures who ruined your entire day with their attitude, their demands, or something else–and you just had to tell somebody!

Well, the Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam made it clear for us: “backbiting is to say something about someone they wouldn’t like said about them. [...] If what bad you said about them is true, then you have backbitten them, and if it is false, then you have slandered them!” [Saheeh Muslim]

“So what,” you might say, “it’s not a big deal. Everybody does it!”

On the night of Miraaj (the Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam’s ascension to heaven), he passed by some people with metal hooks in their hands who clawed at their faces and their necks with them. When he inquired about them, Jibreel said, ‘These are the people who eat the flesh of human beings and disgrace them.’” [Aboo Dawood].

So don’t worry about “everybody” yet. Worry about yourself first!

Just teasing!
Maybe we think it’s funny to trash-talk someone to their face. Maybe their clothes smell like curry, or maybe their beard needs a weed-whacker, or maybe niqaab actually makes them look better!

Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala warns us about this type of rudeness directly in the Qur’aan, when He says in soorah Hujuraat verse 11 (the interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe, let not some a party of you laugh at others, it may be the (latter) are better than you (former). Nor abuse each other, nor be sarcastic to each other by using offensive nicknames … And whosoever does not repent (from these things), then such are the wrong-doers.”

Besides, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala made us the way we are. Humans have no control over their height, their flappy ears, or their pug-noses. What’s more, one of the characteristics of munafiquwn (hypocrites) is that they mocked the believers. So when your tongue insists on remembering other people’s shortcomings, remember your own shortcomings to keep it in line.

You know, it’s cool to swear …
If you listen to some of your friends (or maybe yourself!) speak one day-you may notice, nearly every other sentence contains swear words. Maybe you think it’s cool to swear, to copy the idols of TV and the cinema. Is it really “cool” to swear? The Hellfire is far from being cool–people will wish they were cool then, rather than being cool in this world! Remember: an angel writes down every single word you say, and one day, you will have to answer for all of it.

Sometimes you’re so angry with someone, the only way to express yourself is to swear at them or hit them. The solution?

Be strong. Our Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said: the strong man is not the one with the best Kung-Fu, but the one who controls himself in a fit of rage. [Muslim]

It’s ok to feel angry. But learn to channel it properly. If someone angers you or swears at you, step back. Take deep breaths. Walk away, if you have to. Make woodhu with icy-cold water and go pray.

When you feel better, then respond in a better way, as Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala says: “Repel evil with what is better. Then he who was your worst enemy will become your best friend!” [Fussilat verse 34]

Moi? I never said that!
How often do we say “I was only kidding” or “just joking”? We treat the biggest lies like the smallest flies, gnats to be waved away until we get caught out. By then, it won’t matter, right?

Wrong! The angel on your left shoulder is scribbling, scribbling, writing everything you say and do against yourself. Even if you’re the only person on the Earth who knows, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala the All-Seeing and All-Knowing is watching you.

One of the companions of the Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam asked, straight-up: “Can a Muslim be a liar?” He said “No! A Muslim can never be a liar!” [Malik's Muwatta]

He also said: “Truth leads to virtue and virtue leads to Paradise [...] lying leads to wickedness and wickedness leads to the Hellfire. And a person may keep telling lies until he is recorded as a liar.” [Saheeh Bukhaari]

One lie leads to ten. Ten lead to 100. More and more and more lies, until you’re caught in a web that not even you can remember the truth about. Save yourself now! Don’t be recorded a liar in your eternal biography!

But it’s only words!
You’re just flapping your gums, right? What — you don’t mean any of it! What does it matter?

Remember: people enter into Islam through words (the shahadah), and leave Islam through words (of disbelief). The power of words seals marriage between two unrelated people, or shatters their relationship forever in. All through words.

So if you think you won’t be held accountable for your words, think again: the Messenger of Allaah sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam told us that people will be flung face-down into the Hellfire, only on account to what they said! [Tirmidhi]

I must be doomed!
“I lie, backbite, and swear all the time. I must be going to Hell!” A one-way ticket to a place where they serve you boiling water and devils-heads for sustainance. You’re doomed, right?

No! Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala tells us in the Qur’aan: “O my servants who have wronged themselves, never despair of the mercy of Allaah, for truly He forgives all sins. He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” [Az-Zumar, verse 53]

If you repent and turn back to Allaah, and promise not to commit the sin again, never ever, for as long as you live, and mean it, then He will forgive you. And whose mercy is greater than Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala’s?

Make amends! If you’ve backbitten someone, go and tell the person, apologize sincerely, and ask them to forgive you. (If they say “no”, don’t worry about it-you’ve done what you can.)

But, if you think that might worsen the situation, then turn sincerely to Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala and beg for His forgiveness. Then to make up for what you said–go and speak good of the person behind their back.

Key to Paradise
If you control your tongue and speak good, Paradise can be yours, there to abide forever.

The Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said: “Whoever can guarantee me two things I can guarantee them Paradise: what lies between his two jaw-bones (his tongue) and what lies between his two legs.” [Bukhaari]

Even more amazing, he sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said: whoever prevents sending gossip against his brother, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala puts down a right upon Himself to relieve that person from the Hellfire.

So remember next time you feel like spouting at or about someone: if you remain patient, Paradise can be yours. All it takes is willpower and practice!

A Shovelful of Good Deeds
Your tongue can be a shovel. You now know all the ways to shovel the bad stuff, and get yourself in deep, deep doo. But how can you use it shovel up piles and mountains of good deeds for yourself?

1. Dhikr: Keep your tongue soaked in the rememberence of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. Whether a five-minute walk down the street or an hour-long drive, remember Allaah, and glorify Him (tasbeeh-SubhaanAllaah, Alhamdulillaah, and Allaahu Akbar). Remember His Names and Attributes-the Most Merciful, the Just, the All-Knowing.
2. Defend and Explain Islam: When Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala tests us, as He promised He will, be ready to step up to the challenge. Often, you can unlock people’s misconceptions with just a five-minute explaination on what Islam is really about.
3. Naseehah: Give people you know sincere, heart-felt advice. (Make sure you do so in a gentle way–”yes, I really think your clothes smell like curry” won’t work too well.) Think it through before you say it, and make sure it sounds soft, not harsh. That makes it easier for them to accept.

One Tongue to Rule them All
Finally, if you remember anything, remember this one statement. It will ensure the protection of your tongue, bi idhnillah!

Are you ready for it?

Here it is: the Messenger of Allaah sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said: “Whoever believes in Allaah and the Last day, let him either speak good or keep silent!” [agreed upon]