Telling of truth is a virtue and virtue leads to Paradise and the servant who endeavours to tell the truth is recorded as truthful, and lie is obscenity and obscenity leads to Hell-Fire, and the servant who endeavours to tell a lie is recorded as a liar. Ibn Abu Shaiba reported this from Allah's Apostle (ﷺ).
The Book of Virtue, Enjoining Good Manners, and Joining of the Ties of Kinship - Sahih Muslim 2607 b
This noble hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), transmitted through Ibn Abu Shaiba, establishes the fundamental distinction between truthfulness and falsehood in the Islamic ethical framework. The Messenger of Allah has drawn a clear path for the believers, showing the ultimate consequences of these two opposing character traits.
The Nature of Truthfulness (Sidq)
Truthfulness is described as "virtue" (birr) - a comprehensive term encompassing all forms of righteousness, piety, and moral excellence. The scholar Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali explains that birr encompasses all that Allah loves and is pleased with from statements and actions, both outward and inward.
The hadith indicates that truthfulness is not merely abstaining from lies but constitutes an active pursuit and consistent practice. The phrase "endeavours to tell the truth" shows that truthfulness requires conscious effort and steadfastness, especially when facing temptation to do otherwise.
The Reality of Falsehood (Kadhib)
Falsehood is characterized as "obscenity" (fujur) - meaning corruption, immorality, and deviation from the straight path. Imam al-Nawawi comments that fujur refers to every sin and act of disobedience that leads one away from Allah's mercy.
The hadith emphasizes that lying corrupts the soul and distances one from divine mercy. The consistent practice of falsehood gradually darkens the heart until it becomes a defining characteristic of the individual.
Divine Recording of Deeds
Allah's meticulous recording of our intentions and efforts is a profound manifestation of His justice and wisdom. The servant who strives for truthfulness is recorded as "Siddiq" (truthful), while one who inclines toward falsehood is recorded as "Kadhdhab" (liar).
This divine recording reflects the principle that consistent practice shapes one's essential character and spiritual identity before Allah. As Imam al-Ghazali noted, repeated actions become ingrained habits, and habits form one's enduring character.
The Ultimate Consequences
The hadith establishes the direct connection between moral character and eternal destiny. Truthfulness leads to Paradise because it aligns with the fundamental nature of creation and the divine command. Falsehood leads to Hell-Fire because it represents rebellion against reality itself.
Ibn al-Qayyim explains that truthfulness brings peace and tranquility to the heart, while falsehood creates inner turmoil and dissonance. The ultimate destinations reflect the inherent nature of these qualities - truth being harmonious with Paradise, and falsehood being compatible with the Fire.