of Nakoonam, may his soul rest in peace (Lecture 308)
In mystical journeying, truthfulness shines like a radiant gem among the inner attributes, a quality that consolidates the human being's existence and brings forth the dignity of the soul. This treatise, invaluable lectures of Nakoonam, seeks to elucidate the concept of truthfulness, its position within the series of ethical attributes, and its relation to knowledge, faith, and society. Through a deep reflection on the verses of the Holy Quran, particularly Surahs Muhammad and Al-Munafiqun, and an erudite critique of the views of Khwaja Abdullah Ansari, this work endeavours to present truthfulness not only as a mystical quality but as a social and psychological necessity.
Definition of Truthfulness: Integrity and Completeness of an Object Truthfulness, in both linguistic and terminological terms, refers to the integrity, completeness, and soundness of a thing. This attribute, beyond mere verbal honesty, encompasses all aspects of human existence: the heart, the senses, speech, actions, and objects. Truthfulness, like a steadfast pillar, preserves the human being from disintegration and evaluates the value of anything based on its integrity and completeness. In mysticism, truthfulness is considered the heaviest and most precise of qualities, one of immense value, as the seeker, upon achieving it, attains the dignity of the soul and nearness to the Divine. Distinction Between Truthfulness and Falsehood, and between True and Pseudo-Truthfulness Truthfulness stands in opposition to two counterpoints: falsehood (outright lying) and pseudo-truthfulness (contentless honesty). Falsehood is speech or action that contradicts reality, while pseudo-truthfulness, which leads to hypocrisy, is more dangerous. Pseudo-truthfulness refers to honesty that lacks sincere intent and real content, such as greetings, affection, or false testimony. This distinction introduces truthfulness as a comprehensive attribute that is opposed not only to lying but also to pretense.
Different Types of Truthfulness in the Mystical Path Truthfulness, as a compound attribute, manifests in various aspects of human existence:
This classification presents truthfulness as a comprehensive concept that encompasses the entirety of human existence and asserts that the integrity of anything depends on its truthfulness. Truthfulness and Divine Sustenance (قیومیت الهی) Truthfulness is closely linked to the concept of Divine sustenance. God, as the Ever-Living and Sustainer, possesses absolute truthfulness because He is the foundation and integrity of all things. Everything that has integrity, health, and completeness is truthful, and the absence of these qualities signifies the absence of truthfulness. This perspective introduces truthfulness as the measure of value and authenticity for all things, reflecting the truth of existence like a mirror.
Inadequate Use of the Quranic Verse Khwaja Abdullah Ansari, in his exposition of truthfulness, refers to the following verse of the Holy Quran:
"And when the matter is decided, if they had been truthful to Allah, it would have been better for them" (Surah Muhammad, 21)
However, this reference is incomplete due to the failure to consider the full context of the verse, including its preceding and subsequent verses, as well as its historical context. The verse was revealed in the context of obedience and good speech (verse 21), as well as in response to hypocrisy and the hypocrites (preceding and following verses). Khwaja, by using this verse for ornamental purposes, has not engaged in a comprehensive analysis of its deep semantic implications. This critique underscores the need for a holistic and scholarly interpretation of the Quran. Analysis of the Context of the Verse The beginning of the verse refers to obedience and good speech:
"Obedience and a good speech" (Surah Muhammad, 21)
These two elements form the basis of human action: obedience, as righteous action, and good speech, as virtuous utterance. Truthfulness is achieved when these elements are accompanied by sincere intent and genuine content. The subsequent verses address the hypocrites, who, in the absence of truthfulness, engage in corruption and severing family ties:
"Do you not see that if you turn away, you would spread corruption on the earth and sever your ties of kinship?" (Surah Muhammad, 22)
This analysis highlights the connection between truthfulness, obedience, good speech, and the avoidance of hypocrisy.
Surah Al-Munafiqun, through an explicit depiction of the actions of the hypocrites, places considerable emphasis on the concept of hypocrisy and the appearance of sincerity:
Translation (Fouladwend): "When the hypocrites come to you, they say: 'We bear witness that you are indeed the Messenger of Allah.' And Allah knows that you are indeed His Messenger, and Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are indeed liars." The hypocrites used false testimony of the Prophet's mission as a shield for their deceit, preventing the way of Allah:
Translation (Fouladwend): "They have made their oaths a shield and they block the way of Allah." This behaviour exemplifies a superficial form of truthfulness, which, due to the lack of genuine sincerity, ultimately leads to hypocrisy.
The hypocrites, through eloquent speech and outward appearance, were so convincing that they even astonished the Prophet:
Translation (Fouladwend): "And when you see them, their bodies please you; and when they speak, you listen to their speech; they are as though they are propped-up pieces of wood." However, Allah exposes them as true enemies, condemning their hypocrisy with phrases such as "May Allah kill them" and "May Allah curse them." This analysis reveals the profound psychological insight of the Quran in recognizing the behaviour of the hypocrites. Key Insight: Surah Al-Munafiqun, by detailing hypocrisy and superficial sincerity, identifies the hypocrites as real enemies. Their outward show of piety even astonished the Prophet, but Allah revealed their true nature.
The lecture emphasizes the importance of preserving truthfulness within the community, advising individuals to avoid lying, even in moments of grievance or anger, and to uphold sincerity. The corruption of truth, akin to a great calamity, leads to distrust and hypocrisy. A society adorned with truth nurtures harmony and trust, guaranteeing the moral vitality of the community, just as a pure spring guarantees the health of its waters.
The elimination of despotism and hypocrisy provides the necessary foundation for the propagation of truth within society. The lecture criticizes the culture of outward appearances and stresses the need for rational thinking and transparency. It argues that the religious community must incline towards sincerity and purity. This counsel resonates with the verses of the Quran, particularly Surah Muhammad and Surah Al-Munafiqun, which view hypocrisy as a social plague. Key Insight: Maintaining truthfulness is the foundation of harmony and sincerity within society. The eradication of despotism and hypocrisy is essential for the establishment of truth and the avoidance of pretentiousness.
This article, grounded in the teachings of Nekooyam (may Allah sanctify his soul), portrays truthfulness as the essence and integrity of a being, manifesting in the heart, emotions, expression, actions, and deeds. The critique of the views of Khwajah Abdullah Ansari, along with the psychological and sociological analysis of Surahs Muhammad and Al-Munafiqun, and the emphasis on the signs that distinguish truth from falsehood, demonstrate the rational and interdisciplinary approach of this work. Truthfulness is not merely a mystical attribute but a social necessity that, through the elimination of despotism and hypocrisy, manifests in the community. This work invites a reconsideration of religious behaviour with a focus on sincerity and purity, in order to cultivate a noble society, adorned with truth.
