Honesty is one of the fundamental values that contribute to a person's success and happiness, and it is central to healthy human relationships and the basis of trust among individuals. Honesty is considered the attire of success and its essence, while lying is a principal cause of failure and misery. Nations and religions have all agreed on the value of honesty and its importance in building societies and achieving peaceful coexistence.
Religions, especially Islam, have paid great attention to honesty, making it one of the commendable qualities that believers should possess. In Islam, honesty is considered the foundation of the religion and the pillar of certainty, and it distinguishes the true believer from the hypocrite. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized that honesty leads to tranquility and mental peace, while lying leads to doubt and suspicion.
Honesty is also considered a standard for other noble morals and the optimal path to achieving higher virtues. Those who are honest may be endowed with true insight and strong argumentation. Honesty is seen as a sharp sword against falsehood and a means of salvation from plots and terrors.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) explained that a believer might be cowardly or stingy, but cannot be a liar, indicating that honesty is an integral part of a believer's faith. Honesty is a reason for salvation and success in this world and the hereafter, inspiring the truthful in their words and deeds.
Reason calls for honesty because of its beauty and the ugliness of its opposite. Religion commands and encourages it, as Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'While three people from those before you were walking, rain struck them, and they took shelter in a cave that then closed on them. One of them said: By Allah, nothing will save you except honesty. Each man should pray with what he knows he has been honest in'; this hadith demonstrates that their honesty with God was the reason for their salvation. Manliness calls for and inspires honesty, and Arabs despised being known for lying, preferring to be famous for honesty. Lying was considered one of the signs of a hypocrite."
related cards
Browse Islamic cards
