Speaking truth or doing good? What is the more important in Islam?
In Islam, both speaking truth and doing good hold significant importance, and they are often interlinked in their manifestation of righteousness. The Qur'an emphasizes the value of justice and kindness, indicating that these virtues are essential for a faithful life. For instance, Allah commands: Lo! Allah enjoineth justice and kindness, and giving to kinsfolk, and forbiddeth lewdness and abomination and wickedness. He exhorteth you in order that ye may take heed.
16:90. This verse highlights that acting justly and kindly towards others, including family, is a fundamental aspect of a Muslim's character.
Moreover, the concept of truthfulness is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: Indeed, truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. The truthful one is called truthful and upright; the liar is called a liar and wicked.
Sunan Ibn Majah 1:46. This narration underscores that truthfulness is not only a moral obligation but also a path leading to spiritual success.
In summary, while both speaking truth and doing good are vital in Islam, they complement each other. Justice and kindness, as commanded in the Qur'an, along with the emphasis on truthfulness from the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ, create a comprehensive framework for ethical living in Islam.
Sources
-
16:90 · An-Nahl
16:90 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
۞ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِٱلْعَدْلِ وَٱلْإِحْسَٰنِ وَإِيتَآئِ ذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَيَنْهَىٰ عَنِ ٱلْفَحْشَآءِ وَٱلْمُنكَرِ وَٱلْبَغْىِ ۚ يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ
Lo! Allah enjoineth justice and kindness, and giving to kinsfolk, and forbiddeth lewdness and abomination and wickedness. He exhorteth you in order that ye may take heed.
-
Sunan Ibn Majah 1:46
Sunan Ibn Majah · Book 1, Hadith 46 · Narrated by Abdullah ibn Mas'ud
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, 'There are only two things: speech and guidance. The best speech is the speech of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad. Beware of newly invented affairs, for the worst of affairs are innovations, and every innovation is misguidance. Do not let time prolong to the point that your hearts harden. Know that what is to come is near, and only that which is not coming is far. Truly, the wretched one is he who is wretched in his mother’s womb, and the happy one is he who learns from others' advice. Fighting among believers is disbelief, and insulting them is transgression; it is not permissible for a Muslim to avoid his brother for more than three days. Beware of lying, for lying is not rectified by seriousness nor by jest. A person does not bestow children and then fail to fulfill his duty for them. Verily, lying leads to wickedness, and wickedness leads to the Fire. Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. The truthful one is called truthful and upright; the liar is called a liar and wicked. Indeed, a servant may lie until he is written by Allah as a liar.'
Answers are generated and checked automatically; they may still be incomplete or imperfect. For religious rulings, consult a qualified scholar.
Ask your own question →