Honesty

In the times we live, honesty is valued and yet shunned at the same time. We expect people to be honest in their dealings, yet we turn a blind eye when other people are being lied to or are unfairly dealt with.

“When honesty is lost, then wait for the Hour” (the Day of Judgment). These are the blessed words of Holy Prophet (S.A.W). They paint a picture of the time leading up to the Day of Judgement, when righteous people will be sorrowful due to the lack of honesty around them.

Honesty incorporates the concepts of truthfulness and reliability and it resides in all human thought, words, actions and relationships. It is more than just accuracy; it is more than just truthfulness, it denotes integrity or moral soundness. Islam commands truthfulness and forbids lying.

Allah (S.W.T) says in the Holy Quran: O believers! Fear Allah persistently and remain in the (company) of those who uphold the truth. (Irfan-ul-Quran, Surah al-Tawba (9), Ayah 119)

Hazrat Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (R.A) reported: The Holy Prophet (S.A.W), said, “Verily, truthfulness leads to righteousness and righteousness leads to Paradise. A man may speak the truth until he is recorded with Allah as truthful. Verily, falsehood leads to wickedness and wickedness leads to the Hellfire. A man may tell lies until he is recorded with Allah as a liar.” (Sahih Muslim)

Honesty is an essential ingredient of the Muslim character, which includes being truthful towards Allah (S.W.T) by worshipping Him (S.W.T) sincerely; being truthful to oneself, by adhering to Allah (S.W.T)’s commands; and being truthful with others by speaking the truth and being honest in all dealings, such as buying, selling. There should be no deceiving, cheating, falsifying or withholding of information; a person’s inner self should also reflect his character.

We as Muslims should seek to please Allah (S.W.T) and follow the path shown to us by the beloved Prophet (S.A.W). We should be aware of the dangers of deceit and dishonesty. However, equally we should know that Allah (S.W.T) is all Merciful and all Loving, willing to forgive even the gravest of sin for those who strive for His sake. Honesty is very important in the life of a believer.