How important is honesty in Islam? 🤲
How important is honesty in Islam? 🤲
Honesty stands at the core of Islamic teachings; it is symbol of personal character and spiritual integrity. It is central to the religion, affecting intentions, words, and deeds.
To be Islamic means to be honest, therefore it has to be instilled from early childhood. Islam emphasizes that honesty is not just a recommendation but a fundamental principle. The Hadith, reported as the first Hadith in many collections, states, “The reward of the deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will receive the rewards according to what he has intended.” [1] This saying of the Prophet highlights the importance of being honest in intention. Without honesty, all our deeds are meaningless.
The story of Shaik Abdul Qadir Jeelani is celebrated as best example of being honest. He was on his way to school, carrying only some pocket money. Along the way, he was stopped by some robbers. They asked him if he had any money with him, and he answered, “Yes, I have some money near my collar.” The robbers were astonished and asked why he was so honest. He replied, “My mother taught me to always tell the truth, no matter the situation.” Impressed by his truthfulness, the entire group embraced Islam.
Believers as Lovers of Truth
Prophet Muhammad was honest in every aspect of his life, even before his mission of prophethood began. This honesty was essential for a religion built on truth.
He was known to the people of Makkah as The Trustworthy (Al-Ameen) for his truthfulness in deeds, words, and actions. Almighty Allah has also granted the title of ‘sincere’ to those who believe in Him, as stated in the Holy Quran: ‘And those who believe in Allah and His messengers – they are the Sincere (lovers of Truth)’ [2]
Righteousness Leads to Paradise
In the teachings of Islam, honesty is closely linked to righteousness and spiritual rewards.
In a hadith Prophet Muhammed says: You must be honest, for it leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. A person will continue to speak the truth and strive to be truthful until they are recorded with Allah as the most truthful. Beware of lying, for it leads to wickedness, and wickedness leads to Hellfire. A person will continue to tell lies and strive to deceive until they are recorded with Allah as the most deceitful. [3]
The Best Person
The man who adheres to honesty in his words is regarded as the best person.
It was asked to the Messenger of Allah: “Which of the people is the best?” He replied, “Everyone who is pure of heart and sincere in speech.” On another occasion, the Prophet said, “If you want Allah and His Messenger to love you, then fulfil your trust when you are entrusted, be honest when you speak, and be good to your neighbours.” [4]
Blessings in Business
Imam Ghazali mentions a hadith in his renowned work Revival of the Religious Sciences: “The faith of a person is not upright until his heart is upright, and his heart is not upright until his tongue is upright.” The blessings in trade are also linked to truthfulness.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “If they speak the truth and clarify it, they will be blessed in their trade; but if they lie and conceal it, the blessings of their trade will be void.” [5]
There are several occasions in the Holy Quran and Hadith where the virtue of being honest is mentioned. It is considered the foundation of true faith and integrity, impacting both the personal and religious character of a person.
Let us be honest in words, actions and intentions and keep our professionalism to create a better world.
