One of the greatest mistakes of some people is to behave not according to the logic revealed in the Qur’an, but in line with their own thinking or values common to the general public. Because of this, they can easily rationalize, ignore or carry out actions, which Allah would not like and indeed punish severly in the Hereafter, without even thinking. Telling lies is one such behavior. In spite of the fact that deceitfulness is considered a bad moral trait, this sometimes remains ignored because a significant majority of people indulge in deceitfulness, which is a serious personality disorder. Allah reveals this truth in one verse as such:
If you obeyed most of those on Earth, they would misguide you from Allah’s Way. They follow nothing but conjecture. They are only guessing. (Surat Al-An‘am, 116)
When something, for example a teacup, is broken in a place where there are only two people, there is no need to ask the question of, “Who broke this?” as the person who asked the question did not, the other one did. However, in spite of this, the person who broke it could lie by saying, “I did not break it” and “saves that moment”, according to his opinion. However, it is both seen that he is a liar and thus his pride, which he tried to save, was damaged and –more importantly- he acted in a way Allah does not like.
Deceitfulness?
In the life of this world, a person who lies and behaves in a sly and insincere manner may seem to gain some profits or advantages. However, this situation is deceiving. A liar always loses. He can never enjoy true friendship, love, trust, sincerity, closeness, peace and comfort in this world; and in the Hereafter he mayl be punished in a severe way. Allah reveals the condition of liars as follows:
Cursed be the liars, who are in a gulf of ignorance neglectful: they ask, “When is the Day of Judgment?” It is the day on which they shall be tried at the fire. (Surah ad-Dhariyat, 10-13)
Why Does One Lie?
- Lies are told due to pride and arrogance.
- It is told by force of habit.
- It is told to mock and irritate.
- It is told to avoid doing something hard.
- It is told so as to not have to say, “I don’t know.”
- It is told to exaggerate experienced or witnessed events.
- It is told to do evil and deceive.
- It is told for showing off.
- It is told to gain profit and advantage.
- It is told to justify oneself in a discussion.
- It is told with the deception of “little white lies.”
- It is told when promising a thing that one knows he or she cannot, or will not do.
- It is told by people who are afraid.
Honesty?
An honest person knows they will have to face up to some difficulties from time to time. However, he always wins because he is honest and sincere. Allah grants him His blessing, mercy, love, his sense of resignation in this world and the Hereafter, and rewards him with the garden. Allah revealed the good result with which honest and sincere people will meet in the Qur’an as such:
Allah will say, “This is the day when their truth shall benefit the truthful ones; they shall have gardens beneath which rivers flow to abide in them forever: Allah is well pleased with them and they are well pleased with Allah; this is the mighty achievement. (Surah al-Maeda,119)
Why Is One Honest?
Because,
- Allah is the All-Seeing and All-Hearing.
- Allah knows everything.
- There are angels who write everything that comes out of every person’s mouth.
- One must fear Allah as much as he or she can.
- Allah is the One Who measures even a mustard seed on the scale.
- Allah is the One Who passes judgment in a sure way.
- There are no lies in Heaven.
- Only those who do not believe in Allah’s verses tell lies.
Our Prophet (saas) advises that people should not leave truthfullness, and should avoid lies with these erudite words:
"You continue with the truth, because truth always gets one to goodness. Goodness brings guidance in the garden. As one continues truthfullness and looks for the truth, he is written as loyal in the sight of Almighty Allah. Avoid telling lies, it certainly takes the person to evil, evil takes the person to the fire, meaning Hell, as the servant continues with lying and looks for lies, he is written as a liar." (Mehmed Zahid Kotku, Advices From Hadiths, Volume 1, p.279; From Buhari and Muslim)
