Truth leads one to Paradise and virtue leads one to Paradise and the person tells the truth until he is recorded as truthful, and lie leads to obscenity and obscenity leads to Hell, and the person tells a lie until he is recorded as a liar.
The Book of Virtue, Enjoining Good Manners, and Joining of the Ties of Kinship - Sahih Muslim 2607a
This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim establishes the profound connection between one's habitual actions and their ultimate spiritual state. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) draws a clear path showing how consistent practice transforms one's very nature and determines their eternal abode.
The Path of Truth (Sidq)
Truthfulness is not merely verbal accuracy but encompasses sincerity in intention, action, and state. The hadith indicates that persistent truthfulness elevates a person gradually until they attain the station of "Siddiq" (truthful one) in the divine records.
This transformation occurs through the blessing of consistent practice, where truth becomes embedded in one's character. Such a person naturally gravitates toward righteous deeds, and these collective virtues ultimately lead to Paradise.
The Descent into Falsehood
Conversely, falsehood is described as a descending path. The Arabic term "Fujoor" (obscenity) refers not only to lewdness but to all forms of moral corruption and transgression beyond proper boundaries.
A single lie makes subsequent falsehood easier, creating a downward spiral where the conscience becomes dulled. The hadith warns that persistent lying solidifies this trait in one's spiritual record, making them "Kadhdhab" (liar) before Allah.
Spiritual Causality
This teaching illustrates Islam's understanding of spiritual causality - that certain actions naturally lead to specific consequences. Truth cultivates inner purity that aligns with Paradise, while falsehood breeds corruption that resonates with Hellfire.
The repetition in the hadith ("truth leads to virtue... lie leads to obscenity") emphasizes this inherent connection between means and ends in moral development.
Practical Implications
Scholars explain that this hadith encourages Muslims to be vigilant about even small falsehoods, as they can initiate a destructive pattern. Conversely, one should persevere in truthfulness even when difficult, trusting that Allah will elevate them through it.
The ultimate recording as "truthful" or "liar" reflects Allah's perfect knowledge of one's consistent character rather than occasional slips, showing divine mercy while emphasizing personal responsibility.