In one narration, Nabi (Sallalahu Alayhi Wasallam) said that a Muslim can never speak lies. The glorified words of our Nabi (Sallalahu Alayhi Wasallam) rings out loud and clear:
“As Sidqu Yunji, wal Kazibu Yuhliq” … “truthfulness is the cause of success, and lies
are the cause of destruction.”
If people safeguard themselves from lies, they will, Insha Allah, be saved from many of the corruptions, evils and wrongs in society.
Shah Abdul Aziz Muhaddith Delvi (R) quotes one narration that:
‘… once a person came to Nabi (Sallalahu Alayhi Wasallam) and confessed that he had four bad habits:
(1) he is a bad person; (2) he is a thief; (3) he is an alcoholic; and (4) he speaks lies.’
Further to that, he requested:
‘O Rasulullah! Whichever of these bad habits you tell me to leave, I promise to obey.’
Nabi (Sallalahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:
“Stop speaking lies.”
The person agreed and left. That very night, this person was tempted to drink (alcohol) but immediately thought that if Nabi (Sallalahu Alayhi Wasallam) were to ask him the following day, it will be a great shame to say I did not drink … that would be a lie … and I had promised not to lie anymore. So, he concluded that it is best not to drink. Thereafter, shay’taan incited him to steal. But again he thought that if he does steal … besides it being an act punishable by law … it would also be a lie when questioned. And this too, would break his promise of not lying.
The next day he presented himself before Nabi (Sallalahu Alayhi Wasallam) confessing to the fact that by promising not to lie, he had saved himself from all his other evil habits.
Darul Ihsan Centre