In Islam, lying is seen as a severe moral offence, characterized as a trait of hypocrisy and condemned by the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This article explores eight essential hadiths on lying, covering their text in English, Urdu, and Arabic, as well as the profound insights each provides. By understanding these hadiths, Muslims can learn to avoid lying, strengthen their faith, and develop righteous character.
Lying Leads to Wickedness
English Text of Hadith
“The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Beware of lying, for lying leads to wickedness, and wickedness leads to Hell.””
Urdu Translation of Hadith
“رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا: “جھوٹ سے بچو کیونکہ جھوٹ برائی کی طرف لے جاتا ہے، اور برائی جہنم کی طرف۔””
Arabic Text of Hadith
“قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “إِيَّاكُم وَالكَذِبَ؛ فَإِنَّ الكَذِبَ يَهْدِي إِلَى الفُجُورِ، وَالفُجُورُ يَهْدِي إِلَى النَّارِ.””
Key Insights from Hadith
This hadith emphasizes that lying is a gateway to all forms of immoral behaviour. The hadith shows that deceit creates a cycle of wrongdoing that, if unchecked, ultimately leads to one’s spiritual and moral ruin.
Characteristics of Hypocrites
English Text of Hadith
“There are four traits; whoever has them all is a pure hypocrite… when he speaks, he lies…” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Urdu Translation of Hadith
“چار خصائل ہیں؛ جس میں یہ سب ہوں وہ خالص منافق ہے… جب وہ بات کرتا ہے تو جھوٹ بولتا ہے۔”
Arabic Text of Hadith
“قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “أَرْبَعٌ مَن كُنَّ فِيهِ كَانَ مُنَافِقًا خَالِصًا… إِذَا حَدَّثَ كَذَبَ.””
Important Insights from Hadith
This hadith sheds light on lying as a key attribute of hypocrisy. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stressed that these traits, particularly lying, prevent sincerity in faith, highlighting the importance of truthfulness in a believer’s character.
The Most Hated Trait
English Text of Hadith
“‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “There was no trait more hated to the Prophet (peace be upon him) than lying…””
Urdu Translation of Hadith
“عائشہ رضی اللہ عنہا فرماتی ہیں کہ نبی صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کے نزدیک جھوٹ سے زیادہ کوئی چیز ناپسندیدہ نہیں تھی۔”
Arabic Text of Hadith
“قالت عائشة رضي الله عنها: “لم يكن شيء أبغض إلى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم من الكذب.””
Key Points from Hadith
This hadith highlights the Prophet’s disdain for lying, showing that truthfulness was cherished in his character and teachings. This hadith emphasizes how a believer should always strive for honesty, as it aligns with the Prophet’s values.
Lying Even as a Joke
English Text of Hadith
“Woe to the one who speaks to make people laugh and lies; woe to him, woe to him.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood)
Urdu Translation of Hadith
“جس نے لوگوں کو ہنسانے کے لئے جھوٹ بولا، اس کے لئے تباہی ہے۔”
Arabic Text of Hadith
“قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “وَيْلٌ لِلَّذِي يُحَدِّثُ فَيَكْذِبُ لِيُضْحِكَ النَّاسَ، وَيْلٌ لَهُ.””
Discussion of Hadith
Lying to make others laugh might seem harmless, but this hadith condemns it firmly. Such behaviour encourages a casual attitude toward lying, which can lead to further moral decline.
Repentance for Lying
English Text of Hadith
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “If a man lies, he should repent.”
Urdu Translation of Hadith
“رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا: اگر کوئی آدمی جھوٹ بولے تو اسے توبہ کرنی چاہئے۔”
Arabic Text of Hadith
“قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “إذا كذب الرجل، فعليه أن يتوب.””
Insights from Hadith
This hadith urges Muslims who have lied to seek repentance. Acknowledging the harm of lies and asking for forgiveness restores the believer’s relationship with Allah and promotes moral integrity.
The Worst Lie – Against Allah and His Messenger
English Text of Hadith
The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned: “Whoever lies about me deliberately, let him take his place in Hell.”
Urdu Translation of Hadith
“جس نے مجھ پر جان بوجھ کر جھوٹ بولا، وہ اپنا مقام جہنم میں بنا لے۔”
Arabic Text of Hadith
“قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “من كذب عليَّ متعمدًا، فليتبوأ مقعده من النار.””
Important Lessons from Hadith
Lying about Allah and His Prophet is considered the most severe form of falsehood, as it misleads people on matters of faith. This hadith serves as a powerful reminder of the accountability one faces for such actions.
A Believer Can Be a Coward but Not a Liar
English Text of Hadith
The Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked, “Can a believer lie?” He replied: “No.”
Urdu Translation of Hadith
“ایک مومن جھوٹ بول سکتا ہے؟ انہوں نے فرمایا: نہیں۔”
Arabic Text of Hadith
سُئل النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم: “هل يمكن للمؤمن أن يكذب؟” فأجاب: “لا.”
Lessons from Hadith
This hadith distinguishes lying as a behaviour fundamentally incompatible with true faith. It conveys that lying erodes one’s faith and reputation, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness for a believer.
The Face of a Liar
English Text of Hadith
The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned that lying causes the face to darken.
Urdu Translation of Hadith
“رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا کہ جھوٹ چہرے کو سیاہ کر دیتا ہے۔”
Arabic Text of Hadith
“قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “الكذب يُظلم الوجه.””
Key Points from Hadith
This hadith metaphorically implies that lying brings darkness to a person’s character, making them lose respect and credibility. The Prophet’s words serve as a warning to keep one’s integrity intact.
Conclusion
These hadiths collectively emphasize the profound significance Islam places on honesty. Lying is condemned not only as a personal flaw but as a path that leads to various moral failings and spiritual consequences. By following these teachings, Muslims are encouraged to cultivate honesty and avoid deceit in all aspects of life, ensuring integrity in their relationships and a closer connection to Allah.
References
- Sahih Al-Bukhari
- Sahih Muslim
- Sunan Abu Dawood
- At-Tirmidhi